You just built a brand new home in the Lowcountry and don't need termite protection, right? WRONG! Whether brand new or 200 years old, your home is vulnerable to termites. Tiny termites can do a huge amount of damage to your home. The problem is that you may not even know you have them since they hide so well. In spring, termites become more visible as they fly in swarms to create new colonies. You can’t prevent termites, but these tips can help you identify an infestation and discourage an invasion.
In the U.S., you’re most likely to see two kinds of termites: subterranean termites, which live deep underground, and drywood termites, which feed off the wood they inhabit.
So, where should you look for termites? Anywhere their tiny bodies will fit, which means crevices, cracks, front door entries, garage openings and more. Termites hide well, so look closely. Be especially mindful of areas where water tends to pool.
Here are some signs that your home might have termites:
• Buckling, sagging floors
• Popping hardwood slats
• Bubbling or peeling paint
• Small, wood-colored droppings called frass (indicates drywood termites)
• Wings that drop from “swarmers”
• Dark, blistery wood
• Tunnels within wood
• Wood that sounds hollow when tapped
• Mud pipes where the structure meets the soil
For some precautions on how you can protect your home, see more at: AHS: How to Protect Your Home from Termites
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