Tips & Tricks: Signs of a termite infestation

Dr. Dina Richman

The most obvious signs of a termite infestation are mud shelter tubes winding up on the outside or inside of a foundation wall. From these tubes, termites gain access to a home through cracks, expansion joints or pipe penetrations. Also, be on the lookout for these signs of infestation:

• damaged exterior wood containing termite carton material (soil, chewed wood and excrement);
• damaged interior wood or walls including baseboards, hardwood floors and wood around plumbing accesses;
• damaged wood in basements or crawlspaces, including where the foundation meets the walls, sill plates and sub flooring;
• cracked paint and uneven sheetrock; and
• groups of winged termites, discarded wings or bodies, especially around windows.

— Dr. Dina Richman, Development Manager, FMC Professional Solutions