What Does Termite Damage Look Like?
It is easy to diagnose a termite infestation when you notice damaged wood, which often appears tunneled-through and sounds hollow if knocked upon.
Termite damage is often well-hidden within the structure of a home, but especially destructive infestations will start to show obvious signs. The appearance of termite damage can vary but generally manifests in unexplained wood damage, broken flooring, sagging ceilings, and more.
The most visible signs may be seen in the following areas of the home:
- Walls
- Ceilings
- Foam insulation
- Slabs
- Drywall
- Flooring
- Tiling
- Windows
Ready to Schedule Your Termite Inspection?
Click below to leave your information and we will call you back!
The Effect of Termites on Wood
Everyone knows that termites feast on wood, but what does a piece of wood look like after it’s been infested by a termite? While it varies depending on the severity of an infestation, termite wood damage will manifest in the following ways:
- When termites feed on the cellulose contained by wood, the wood source will become brittle and hollow.
- Outdoor wood piles or timber infested by termites will look like they’ve been completely carved and tunneled-through.
- In some cases, wood shavings may appear, and wood will be left looking rather splintered.
- In long-term cases, wood structures can begin to look warped or bent. This is often confused for water damage.
What to Do When You Spot Termite Damage
If you’ve noticed any of the aforementioned signs of damage, you very likely have an established termite infestation. Because it takes a long time for termite damage to become noticeable, it’s important to have termite control services to prevent infestations. A professional can effectively keep your property termite-free through regular inspections. The damage caused by termites is often confused for other structural problems, which is why it’s essential to recognize the signs of their destruction.