Termites may be small, but they can cause significant damage to homes if left unchecked. Whether you're a buyer, seller, or homeowner, recognizing the early signs of termites can save you from costly repairs and protect your investment. In this blog, the TJS Team, led by Tina Jingru Sui, highlights the top four termite signs to watch for and offers tips to address them effectively.
1. Mud Tubes on Walls and Foundations
What They Are:
Termites build mud tubes to protect themselves as they travel between their nest and a food source (your home!). These tubes are typically found on walls, foundations, or crawl spaces.
Termites build mud tubes to protect themselves as they travel between their nest and a food source (your home!). These tubes are typically found on walls, foundations, or crawl spaces.
What to Look For:
Thin, brown lines of dirt running vertically or horizontally.
Tubes located near the home's foundation or basement.
What to Do:
Break open a tube to check for live termites.
Contact a pest control professional to assess and treat the infestation.
2. Hollow-Sounding Wood
What It Means:
Termites eat wood from the inside out, leaving a thin outer shell that may sound hollow when tapped.
What to Look For:
Blistering or bubbling paint on wooden surfaces.
Wood that feels soft or breaks easily under pressure.
What to Do:
Inspect wooden beams, floors, and door frames regularly, especially in humid areas like Alpharetta and Johns Creek.
Schedule a professional inspection to confirm the presence of termites.
3. Termite Droppings (Frass)
What It Is:
Frass, or termite droppings, looks like tiny wood-colored pellets and is often found near entry points or damaged wood.
What to Look For:
Small piles of what looks like sawdust around windows, doors, or baseboards.
Droppings near wooden furniture or structural components.
What to Do:
Clean the area and monitor for new droppings.
Consult a pest control expert to identify the source and eliminate the infestation.
4. Swarmers or Discarded Wings
What They Are:
Swarmers are winged termites that emerge in warm weather to establish new colonies. Discarded wings near windowsills or doorways indicate their presence.
What to Look For:
Small, translucent wings scattered around light fixtures or windows.
Swarmers flying in or near your home, especially after rain.
What to Do:
Close windows and doors to prevent swarmers from entering your home.
Contact a pest control company to treat the infestation before it spreads.
Why Termite Awareness Matters in Real Estate
For Buyers
Spotting termite signs during a home inspection can save you from future headaches. Work with the TJS Team to ensure thorough inspections in areas like Duluth, Suwanee, and Buford.
For Sellers
A termite-free certification can increase your home's appeal and value. Consider a pre-sale inspection to address issues proactively.
For Homeowners
Routine inspections and maintenance protect your investment and prevent structural damage.
How the TJS Team Can Help
Navigating termite concerns can be stressful, but the TJS Team is here to assist:
- Trusted Referrals: We connect you with reliable pest control professionals in Dacula, Alpharetta, and beyond.
- Expert Negotiation: Whether you're buying or selling, we advocate for inspections and necessary repairs to protect your interests.
- Local Knowledge: Our team knows the common risks and solutions for termite issues in the Atlanta area.
Protect Your Home with Expert Advice from the TJS Team
Don't let termites jeopardize your home or real estate transaction. Contact the TJS Team, led by Tina Jingru Sui, for expert guidance and trusted resources in Duluth, Suwanee, Dacula, Buford, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, and beyond.
Let's protect your investment together!
