Can You Check for Termites Yourself? Here’s What to Know

Ever wondered if termites might be quietly damaging your home? Checking for these pesky invaders can save time and money, especially if caught early. Look for signs like discarded wings near windowsills, hollow-sounding wood, or small mud tubes on your home’s foundations.

These little inspectors help determine when to call in the professionals. Keep reading to discover how to check for termites yourself.

Key Takeaways

• Wood structures like beams, door frames, and window sills may show visible termite damage, frass, or hollow sounds.
• Mud tubes on foundation walls are common signs of subterranean termites and should be checked for activity.
• Discarded wings near windows or light fixtures suggest a recent termite swarm and potential new colonies.
• Bubbling paint or soft wood can signal termite activity and may need further inspection by a professional.

How to Check for Indoor Termites Yourself

To perform a thorough inspection of indoor termites yourself, focus on key areas where signs of termite activity are most likely.

Here’s how to check for the tell-tale signs of common types of termites in Texas:

Inspect Wood Structures for Termite Damage

Inspecting wooden structures inside the home is a key step. Check wooden beams, door frames, and window sills for visible wood damage, such as elongated holes or galleries. Subterranean termites eat wood from the inside out, leaving the outer layer soft. A flashlight can help spot these hidden areas where termite colonies are.

Tap on Wooden Surfaces and Drywall to Detect Hollow Sounds

Tapping on wood surfaces and drywall and listening for hollow sounds is straightforward. This might involve using a solid object or the back of a screwdriver to check not only wood beams but also furniture, walls, and flooring. A hollow or papery sound is a strong indicator of internal wood damage.

Look for Termite Droppings (Frass)

Termite droppings or frass resemble small piles of sawdust. It’s a sign of drywood termites, different from subterranean termites. Look near damaged wood structures, especially around baseboards or window frames. Frass may vary in color, ranging from light brown to black, depending on the type of wood consumed.

Inspect Mud Tubes on Foundation Walls

Mud tubes are an unmistakable sign of subterranean termites. Exploring the basement and crawlspace helps spot these tubes. If mud tubes are dry and crumbling, they might be inactive. However, active tubes will suggest a current termite issue. Identifying and disrupting these paths might deter an infestation.

Check for Discarded Wings Around Window Sills

Discarded wings near windowsills or light fixtures point to a potential termite swarm. Flying termites, or alates, shed their wings after finding a mate to start a new colony, suggesting mature colonies. Search window sills and other light sources for these tiny wings to catch them early.

Test Paint or Wallpaper for Bubbling or Peeling

Bubbling or peeling paint can suggest moisture or termite activity underneath. Checking ceilings, walls, and other painted or wallpapered areas helps detect unusual changes. Noticing these signs early allows for timely termite treatment by pest management companies, which often means less extensive repair work and costs.

Probe Suspected Areas with a Screwdriver

A simple yet effective way of termite inspection involves probing areas like wood beams with a screwdriver. This can confirm suspicions when other warning signs have been detected. Apply gentle pressure, especially around cracks or seams in wood. Surfaces that are soft to the touch or easily penetrable suggest termite destruction.

How to Spot Signs of a Termite Infestation Outdoors

When inspecting your property for signs of termites outdoors, it’s essential to check areas where wood is exposed to the elements and susceptible to infestation.

Termites often establish colonies in overlooked places, so make sure to pay attention to these key outdoor areas:

Examine Tree Stumps and Wooden Fences for Termite Activity

Tree stumps and wooden fences are common places for termites to establish new colonies. As homeowners, examine these areas closely for signs such as:

• Mud tubes: Termites use these tubes to travel between their underground nests and food sources.
• Pin-sized holes: These might suggest live termite swarmers or winged termites emerging from the wood.
• Hollow sound: Tap on the wood to listen for a hollow sound, which suggests termites have eaten away the inside.
• Discarded wings and antennae: Look for piles of wings and antennae around tree stumps or mulch, a sign of possible colony establishment.

Check Wooden Decks, Porches, and Sheds for Termite Damage

Wooden decks, porches, and sheds can harbor termites in moist areas. These insects are drawn to cellulose-rich environments and can cause significant damage over time.

When inspecting these structures, follow these steps:

1. Check for signs of termite damage, such as warping or sagging.
2. Focus on ground-level areas where wood meets soil, as termites tend to build shelter tubes along these pathways.
3. Look for sawdust or small pellets under the structure, which are signs of active termite activity.

If any signs of termite activity are detected—whether early or widespread—it’s essential to contact a termite control company or exterminator for proper identification and treatment.

When to Consider Professional Termite Inspection

Sometimes, termite problems need more than just a keen eye. If you notice unusual clicking sounds coming from your exterior walls at night paired with other signs, contacting a pest control company can address the problem quickly.

While a DIY termite check can catch early signs, only a professional inspection can ensure your home is safe. For peace of mind and expert solutions, call our team at (866)-693-8495 for a free inspection today.

Don’t leave your home’s protection to chance—let us help you keep it termite-free!