Termites are fun to know about, except when you are a homeowner and these little terrors have set up camp in your building. Termites are a silent menace in the United States, causing an estimated $5 billion in property damage annually—damage that isn’t covered by most homeowners’ insurance.

Termite infestation should be caught as early as possible since every single termite in the colony works 24/7, eating at your home. If you let the infestation fester, it can cause structural damage even leaving the building incapable of inhabitation.

So when do you need the help of a termite control specialist? How to know that it’s time to make the call?

1. You have spotted the warning signs 

Experts say that you need to make the call when you note the very first sign of trouble. Here are some warning signs of termite infestation in your building.

• Mud tubes

Subterranean termites build these things mud tunnels which they use to travel from their colony to the food source. You might notice these tubes along the walls, foundations, or in some cases even the ceilings. Mud tubes are one of the most obvious signs of termite infestation.

• Hollow-sounding wood

Drywood termites live inside the wood that they consume and hence are found in furniture, wooden walls, etc. When they ravage this wood inside out, the wood becomes hollow on the inside. Hence if you suspect termite action, gently tap on wooden surfaces and observe. Hollow sounds are an indication of drywood termite infestation. You might also notice pin-sized holes on these surfaces from the outside.

• Discarded wings

When it’s time to form another colony the winged reproductive termites called swarmers leave the nest to find a suitable place for the new colony. After locating the ideal place, they shed their wings and start a new colony. If your house was indeed the unfortunate place that they deemed ideal then you might find tiny wings on window sills or near light fixtures.

• Frass

Frass refers to the droppings of drywood termites that are small and pellet-like. Since drywood termites live inside the wood they consume, they tend to push out these droppings through the pin-sized holes. If you notice, tiny mounds of what looks like a sawdust, especially near a wooden surface, it’s time for a termite inspection.

• Warped doors and windows

Termites slowly but surely tend to damage the wooden surfaces. If you suddenly notice that the wood in the windows and doors is warped making them hard to open or close then it might be due to termite damage.

2. Your home has a history of termite issues 

It is a herculean task to completely get rid of termites, especially if the building has a severe infestation. You might be careful by employing methods like moisture control for termite prevention and other professional prevention techniques but termites are sneaky creatures making it hard to completely eradicate them.

If your home—or even your neighborhood—has had termite problems in the past, regular inspections are a must. Termites tend to return if previous infestations aren’t fully eradicated.

3. You’re buying or selling a home 

Termite infestation greatly affects the appeal of a property in the housing market. Hence if you are buying or selling a property, it would be better to get it checked first.

If you are the buyer, a termite inspection can save you from inheriting thousands of dollars in hidden damage. You could even get the power to negotiate the cost of the building.

If you are the seller, then a termite clearance letter is often required by the lenders and the buyers. Having an expert vouch that your building is clear from termites can boost the value of your property.

4. It’s termite season (Spring & Summer) 

Termite activity spikes in spring and summer when swarmers emerge to establish new colonies. If you haven’t had an inspection in a while, this is the time to schedule one. Termites thrive in warm, moist conditions, making these months prime time for infestations. Additionally, heavy rainfall can soften the soil, providing easier access for subterranean termites to invade homes. Proactive inspections during this period can prevent an infestation before it escalates.

5. You Just Want Peace of Mind 

Sometimes, the best reason to call a termite control specialist is simple: to prevent future problems. Routine inspections can catch infestations before they escalate, saving you money and stress in the long run. Many termite control companies offer bi-annual or annual termite inspection plans that help monitor termite activity and implement preventive treatments. Investing in these services can be a small price to pay compared to the potential costs of a full-blown infestation.

HiTech Termite Control

Want to book an inspection? At HiTech, we offer termite inspection at competitive costs and also provide a report within 24 hours. To learn about our inspection services, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I call a termite control specialist?

Call a specialist as soon as you notice any early signs of termite activity, such as mud tubes, hollow wood, or discarded wings.

 What are some warning signs of termite infestation?

Look for mud tubes on walls or foundations, hollow-sounding wood, tiny, discarded wings near windows, frass (termite droppings), or warped doors and windows.

 How do I check for termite activity?

Revisit areas where you first saw termites, gently tap on wooden surfaces for hollowness, and inspect mud tubes for any movement or new construction.

 When is the best time for a termite inspection?

 Schedule an inspection during termite season, typically in spring and summer, when termite activity peaks.

 What if my home has a history of termite issues?

 If your home or neighbourhood has had termite problems before, regular inspections are crucial to ensure any recurring infestation is promptly dealt with.

 Why should I get an inspection before buying or selling a home?

 A termite inspection can protect you from inheriting costly damage or help boost your property's value by providing a termite clearance letter.