My Home Has Termites! What Now?

Pest Expert Matthew Hess, 03/06/2025

Discovering that your home has termites can be a most distressing experience. These silent destroyers can cause significant damage if left unchecked, leading to serious damages that your homeowner’s insurance policy won’t cover. Besides that, you may experience costly repairs and safety concerns as well. In today’s blog, we’ll discuss identifying a termite problem, the potential damage they can cause, and the steps you should take if you suspect your home has termites.

Understanding Termites

Termites are social insects that thrive in colonies. They primarily feed on cellulose, which is found in wood, paper, and other plant materials. There are several types of termites, but the species we will discuss is subterranean termites. Subterranean Termites live underground and are responsible for most termite damage in the U.S.

Signs that You May Have Termites

Proactively identifying a termite infestation can save you time, money, and stress. Here are some common signs that your home may have termites:

  1. Mud Tubes: Subterranean termites often build mud tubes to travel between their colony and food sources. These tubes are typically found on the exterior of your home, along foundations or walls. Learn how to identify them here.
  2. Wood Damage: Termites consume wood from the inside out, leaving a thin layer of paint or wood veneer intact. If you tap on wood surfaces and hear a hollow sound, it may indicate damage.
  3. Swarmers: Winged termites, known as swarmers, leave their colonies to reproduce. If you see discarded wings around windowsills or doors, it’s a sign that you may have a termite problem.
  4. Frass: This is a term for termite droppings, which resemble small pellets or sawdust. Finding frass near wooden structures can indicate an infestation.
  5. Bubbling or Peeling Paint: This can be a sign of moisture damage caused by termites tunneling through wood.

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The Damage Termites Can Cause

If left untreated, termites can cause extensive damage to the structural integrity of your home. Some common areas affected include:

  • Wooden Beams and Joists: Termites can weaken support structures, leading to sagging floors and ceilings.
  • Drywall and Insulation: Termites can damage drywall and insulation, leading to mold and mildew if moisture is present.
  • Furniture and Fixtures: Infestations can extend to furniture, cabinetry, and other wooden fixtures, causing significant losses.

What to Do If You Suspect Termites

If you suspect that your home has termites, taking prompt action is crucial. Here are the steps you should follow:

Confirm the Infestation: Look for the signs mentioned above. If you find evidence of termites, it’s essential to take it seriously.

Contact a Pest Control Professional: Hiring a licensed pest control expert like Four Seasons Pest Solutions is the best way to assess the situation. We can conduct a thorough inspection, determine the level of infestation, and propose a treatment plan.

Choose a Treatment Plan: Based on the inspection, we will recommend a treatment plan. Common methods include:

    • Liquid Termiticides: These are applied to the soil around your home to create a barrier against termites.
    • Sentricon: Sentricon termite baiting involves placing bait stations around your property that work off the termite’s natural foraging patterns to effectively eliminate termites, including the queen. This option is a standalone treatment that’s just perfect for any home and is the preferred choice for facilities like the White House.

(To help you better choose between a conventional liquid termite treatment and a Sentricon termite bait system, check out our 3D comparison here.)

Implement Preventative Measures: After treatment, consider implementing preventative measures to reduce the risk of future infestations:

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What Four Seasons Can Do For You

Finding termites in your home can be alarming, but with prompt action and the right approach, Four Seasons can protect your property from significant damage. You can ensure your home remains safe and secure if you recognize the signs of termites and their damages or employ Four Seasons Pest Solutions to provide annual termite inspections. Even better, preventative termite protection like the Sentricon termite baiting system leaves you worry-free as long as you live in the home. Don’t wait until it’s too late—take action today to safeguard your investment!