Damage
Termites are wood-destroying insects capable of damaging a home's structural timbers, including posts, floor supports, ceiling supports, subfloors and wall studs. Termites also can damage non-structural components, including drywall paperboard, paneling, carpet and furniture. The most common species to infest and damage homes in the U.S. are subterranean and drywood termites. Dampwood termites are less likely to infest homes due to their high moisture requirements.
Damage from termites can range from minor, superficial damage to major structural damage that can cause ceilings or floors to collapse. Early detection of termite infestations is crucial to minimize the risk and cost of repairing termite damage. Annual inspections by a trained termite professional can help you detect signs of activity, some of which may not be easily visible.
What Does Termite Damage Look Like?
A house with damage from termites often looks the same as any other house on the surface. Termites can build nests hidden inside walls, causing damage for years before it becomes apparent. Termite control experts are trained to spot signs of termite activity, potentially before the colony has damaged the wood inside a home.
If a termite infestation is unnoticed and untreated for many years, a home can suffer significant damage. In some cases, this damage can be easily mistaken for water damage. Termite inspectors can discern between structural damage caused by water or wood-destroying insects - including termites, carpenter ants and beetles.
Common signs of termite damage include:
- Discolored or sagging sheetrock on the ceiling or walls
- Floors that buckle or sag
- Loose tiles
- Hardwood floor slats that pop up
- Laminate floors that bubble up or sag
- Tiny pinpoint holes in drywall (where termites have damaged the paperboard)
- Bubbling or peeling paint
- Damaged wood that crumbles easily
- Jammed doors or windows
- Wood that sounds hollow when tapped