Sometimes, a termite infestation can go unnoticed for a very long time, since a lot of the signs of an infestation are hard to spot. Termites will infest wood, and while some species leave holes in the wood, others do not, and the only way to tell that you have an infestation is after the wood has sustained a lot of damage. Fortunately however, there is another sign that can tip you off, and that is the smell of a termite infestation.
A moldy smell
A termite infestation will give off the smell of mold or mildew. However, this smell does not come from the termites themselves. Instead, it comes from the environment that they infest. Damp, moldy or musty wood is ideal for termites and they are heavily drawn to it. As they devour it and create tunnels inside it, the smell of mildew is released in the air, a smell that may have been trapped otherwise. So if you ever smell mildew inside the home, it may be a sign that you have a termite infestation and not just mold.
Before calling a pest control specialist
Before you call a pest control specialist, you should make sure that you do not have actual water damage. Otherwise, you might end up paying for a termite inspection when it’s not really needed. Make sure that you check for water rings on the surfaces in the home, soft spots in the floor, warped flooring, or damp cabinets. However, if you cannot find the source of the smell, or the signs you notice are not conclusive enough, then you might be dealing with termites and it’s best to schedule an inspection as soon as possible.
Signs of a termite infestation
If you want to be extra sure before making the call, you can check for signs of termite damage as well. These include tiny holes in wood or drywall, loose floor tiles, and drywall discoloration. If you have access to the foundation of the home, you can also check for mud tubes. Soft, hollow-sounding spots on wooden structures may also be an indication.
A termite infestation can go unnoticed for quite some time, and it will only become apparent after it has caused extensive damage to the home. Any sign that can tip you off to an infestation should be taken seriously. If you suspect that you have a termite infestation, contact us today.