Helpful Hints: Termites

Inspecting for Termites

Inspecting for signs of termites is not a hit or miss proposition, but sometimes the signals are impossible for the untrained eye to detect. Evidence of termite activity is usually in places that are very difficult to reach and even more difficult to see. If you suspect your house might be infested, it is recommended that you have it thoroughly inspected by a qualified, professional who is trained to detect the signs of termites. Termites are the most organized enemy your house will encounter. They are resilient, determined and unfortunately, very efficient. Chances are that you won't see evidence of their destructive activity until the damage has been done. There can be as many as 13 to 14 subterranean termite colonies per acre, with each colony possibly contain as many as one million termites. Termites can travel up to 45 yards from their colony.

The following list indicates common signs of a termite infestation that you may detect:

  • "Mud tunnels" extending along the foundation of the house (inside or out).
  • Wings or sawdust near windows, doors, the heating plant (furnace or boiler) or in the garage.
  • Buckling paint or tiny holes on wood surfaces
  • Flying or "swarming" termites in the house, especially near light and heat sources.
Things you can do to help discourage termite activity:
  1. Eliminate any standing water and its source.
  2. Keep gutters and downspouts clean, in good repair and free of clogs.
  3. Extend gutter leaders as far from the foundation as practical.
  4. Maintain proper ventilation and remove obstructions that prevent ventilation from accessing the crawl space and/or basement.
  5. Repair leaking plumbing and any drainage in the crawlspace and/or basement.
  6. Remove wood and debris (scrap lumber, boards, cardboard, paper, cellulose based products) from the basement and/or crawl space. Remove any tree stumps and firewood from the areas near the house and from the basement/crawl space.
  7. Cut back all shrubs, bushes and trees away from the foundation, trim and siding of the house.
NOTE: These measures will not prevent or control infestations but they will help discourage insect/termite activity. Moisture attracts subterranean termites.

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American Society of Home Inspectors Environmental Data Resources Connecticut Association of Home Inspectors