What Does Termite Damage Look Like?

Termite damage results in splintered, weakened, or hollowed-out wood. Any source of wood that appears tunneled through can be a sign of termite activity.

Only when a termite infestation has been going on for quite a while is when you may notice the signs of termite damage. Seeing any of the following signs of termite damage may signal that you have an infestation:

Unexplained cracks on internal walls, ceiling beams, or rafters
Bubbled or sagging areas in the floor
Mud tubes on the exterior of the home
Floorboards/baseboards feeling weak or sounding hollow
Broken roof tiles
Doors and windows sticking

Where Does Termite Damage Show Up?

In Iowa, we deal with subterranean termites. These termites work underneath or at the foundation of your property. Termite damage will start to appear in some of the following areas of your home or business:

Walls
Ceilings
Foam insulation
Slabs
Drywall
Flooring
Tiling
Windows

How do Termites Damage Wood?

Termites infest wood in order to get cellulose, which they require to live. When termites infest wood out in your backyard the piles of wood or timber will look like they’ve been completely carved or tunneled-through. In some cases, wood shavings may appear, and wood will be left looking somewhat splintered. In long-term cases, wood can begin to look warped or bent, which is sometimes confused for water damage. Seeing wood damage is a bad sign that you have a mature termite infestation.

What Do I Do When I Think I Have Termite Damage?

Seeing termite damage is indicative of a possibly big 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 termite exterminator can help pinpoint what damage has been caused by active or past termites in your Iowa home or business.

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