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Signs of Termites

Termite infestation is usually not apparent until severe damages have incurred. They live in dark, humid and protected environment, which make them so hard to find - until it’s too late.

As termites devour their way through wood from the inside, it can be rather challenging to detect a termite infestation but there are some tell-tale signs that indicate their presence.

Here are a few common signs of termites that you might see (or hear) around your home or business premises:

Have you Spotted Termites?

Call Rentokil today to schedule a termite inspection of your home or business as required depending on situation.

Common signs of termites

Here are a few common signs of termites that you might see (or hear) around your home or business premises:

Mud tubes on wall

Subterranean termites build shelter tubes made of mud, dirt and debris in order to travel to and from the food source without being seen. These tubes are about the size of a coin and are usually found on exterior and interior walls leading up to the entry points of the building.

Mud tube on wall or wood is a sign of termite infestation
Mud tube on wall or wood is a sign of termite infestation

Seeing Termite Colonies (Flying Ants) or Lost Wings

Often homeowners realize the first sign of ant infestation when they spot a termite colony or flying ants. Another sign is termite wings left on windowsills or on the ground.

Termites will shed their wings as soon as they find a mate, so these apparently detached wings are also conclusive evidence of the presence of an ant colony indoors.

Detached wings are the conclusive evidence of the presence of an ant colony indoors
Detached wings are the conclusive evidence of the presence of an ant colony indoors

Paper-thin or hollow-sounding wood

Termites eat away the wood from the inside out, leaving only a thin layer of wood or paint finish on the surface. So if you're knocking on a piece of wood that has termites inside it, you'll hear a hollow or thin sound because part (or all) of the wood has been eaten away by the termites.

Paper-thin or hollow-sounding wood is a sign of termite
Paper-thin or hollow-sounding wood is a sign of termite eating away wood from inside out

Doors that are too tight or windows that are hard to open

As termites move through the interior of the woodwork, their waste and dirt trap heat and humidity, creating a good environment for them to live in. But this causes the wood to swell, so termite-infested doors and windows can be difficult to open.

Termite-infested doors and windows can be difficult to open
Termite-infested doors and windows can be difficult to open

Channels inside the wood

Also known as worm trenches, are difficult to spot from the outside.

Termite droppings

After ingesting wood, drywood termites typically excrete brown, granular droppings. These feces may often be piled under the decayed wood.

 

What to do after spotting the termite signs?

Termites eat 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week. This means they are constantly consuming wood and damaging it. If left untreated, termites can weaken the wood within your home leading to costly damages. 

Spotted signs of termites? There are steps you can take to get rid of a termite infestation, but we strongly recommend that you contact a professional exterminator company immediately.

Rentokil Initial Hong Kong has more than 60 years of experience in termite prevention in Hong Kong, providing one-stop termite pest control services​​​​​​. Take a look at our customer testimonials and learn about their stories with Rentokil Initial.

Call us today at +85229546888 or contact us online to arrange for a termite inspection for your home or business as required depending on situation.

The Pest 101 Guide Handbook to Understanding Termites in your Business

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