Common Signs Of A Termite Infestation In Bergen County , NJ And Beyond
Termites are found in every region of the United States, and certainly in Hackensack Bergen County, NJ where we are based. Several species of termites exist, each feeding on wood for their survival. While termites may serve some beneficial purposes in nature, the pests become a serious problem when they access and then begin destroying your home to find their meals. More than $5 billion is spent by homeowners every year to repair the damage left behind by termites. Be a proactive homeowner and learn the signs of a termite infestation with a qualified WDI inspection before you have to pay thousands to treat the problem.
Hollow or Damaged Wood In The Home
Most NJ homeowners notice the signs of a termite infestation, yet often allow the problem to linger, unaware that it is actually an indication of the pest. One of the most common and obvious signs of an infestation is hollow or damaged wood. Termites make their home deep within the cavities of your home’s structure and eat the cellulose from the inside out. If you notice damaged wood or if it sounds hollow inside when tapped, it may be a termite infestation.
Wood Floor Blistering
When a wooden floor is blistering it can be a sign that subterranean termites are underneath the floor. The termite damages both the subfloor and actual wood floor and is often mistaken for water damage. If the termite infestation that is affecting the floors is not addressed, the floor will eventually fall through.
Termite Wings and Frass
If you find piles of discarded wings around your home, this is a sign of an established termite infestation because it means some of them have swarmed to reproduce and start a new colony. Termites also leave behind frass, which are their droppings that look like tiny coffee beans or sand. If you notice either of these physical signs, do not ignore them and call a termite inspector.
Mud Tubes
Termites build mud tubes to travel from one part of your home to another with protection. This structural evidence of a termite infestation is usually found on foundations or wood structures. They look like tiny brown tunnels, about the width of a pencil.
What To Do If You Spot Signs of Termites
If you notice any of the signs of a termite infestation in your NJ home listed above, it is important to contact a professional termite inspector and treatment company to help resolve the issue before the termites cause further damage. Even without seeing the signs of termites listed above, schedule an annual termite inspection to prevent this common, costly problem.
Rest assured that the cost of a professional termite inspection is worth the expense since it prevents future damage that will cost far more than the inspection. The many available treatments for termites offer the solution that every homeowner seeks, regardless of the severity of the infestation.
Veriguard Home Inspections serves Bergen County and Northern New Jersey with home inspection services including termite inspections. Contact us to schedule an appointment.