Did you spot chewed wood, mud tubes along your walls, or discarded wings near your windows? These are signs of a termite infestation. Termites are silent invaders that can cause extensive structural damage if left unchecked. But how did termites get in your house? Understanding how they enter, what a termite nest looks like in a house, and how to look for termite damage can help you protect your home from costly repairs. 
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How Do Termites Get Into Houses?
Termites are experts at finding their way into homes, often unnoticed. Here’s how they commonly get into your houses: Cracks and Gaps in FoundationsImagine a tiny crack in your foundation—it might seem harmless, but it’s the perfect gateway for termites. Subterranean termites use these cracks to construct mud tubes, allowing them to travel safely to the wooden structures in your home. Even the smallest gaps in concrete, bricks, or mortar joints can become entry points, making regular foundation inspections crucial.Visit our Species, Control, and DIY Guide sections for additional resources on termites and ways to tackle a termite infestation.Wood-to-Soil ContactDo you have a wooden deck, fence, or firewood pile resting on the ground? Termites see these as highways to your home. Any direct wood-to-soil contact provides easy access and a food source for termites. Structures like untreated fences or patio posts should always be kept elevated or treated with termite-resistant materials.Moisture ProblemsLeaking faucets, clogged gutters, and poorly ventilated crawl spaces create damp environments that termites love. Moisture not only softens wood, making it easier for termites to feed, but it also provides the humid conditions these pests need to survive. Addressing moisture problems in and around your home is one of the most effective ways to deter termites.Roof and Wall OpeningsGaps around vents, utility pipes, or roofing materials can also be entry points for termites. Drywood termites, in particular, are known for invading through exposed wood or small cracks in shingles and fascia boards. These pests are especially active during swarming seasons, making it important to seal any potential openings promptly.What Does a Termite Nest Look Like in a House?
Recognizing a termite nest is essential for identifying an infestation. Termite nests inside a house are often hidden and subtle.Bug List
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Mud Tubes: Subterranean termites build pencil-sized mud tubes along walls, foundations, or beams. These tubes provide a safe, humid passage for termites and protect them from dehydration. Finding these tubes on exterior or interior surfaces is a clear sign of an infestation. -
Hollowed Wood: Termites often hollow out wood from the inside, leaving behind a fragile, papery exterior. When tapped, termite-damaged wood sounds hollow or empty. While the surface may appear intact, the structural integrity of the wood could be severely compromised.
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Droppings (Frass): Drywood termites leave behind tiny, pellet-like droppings known as frass. These droppings are often found near baseboards, windowsills, or other wooden areas. Resembling piles of sawdust, they are a clear sign of termite activity in the vicinity.
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Bubbling Paint or Uneven Surfaces: Termite activity inside walls can cause paint to bubble or peel. Similarly, wooden surfaces may appear warped or uneven due to termites feeding beneath the surface. These subtle changes often indicate hidden nests.
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Clicking Sounds Inside Walls: Have you heard faint clicking or rustling sounds coming from inside your walls? Soldier termites often bang their heads against tunnel walls to warn the colony of threats, while worker termites make noise as they chew through wood. These sounds are a strong indicator of active termites.
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Swarmer Sightings Indoors: During swarming seasons, you may notice flying termites (swarmers) inside your house or find their discarded wings near windows and light sources. This suggests that a termite colony is nearby or has already established itself inside your home.
How to Prevent Termite Infestations
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Eliminate moisture. -
Maintain distance between soil and wood structures.
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Seal cracks and gaps in your home’s foundation.
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Use treated wood for construction and repairs.
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Schedule regular termite inspections.
