Termites are a pest that burrows into the wood of your home, causing structural damage throughout the dwelling. While you may not be able to see early termite damage, once there is an infestation in your home, there are clear signs for you to look for. Termites tend to dwell in areas that are wet, dark, and warmer in your home, so it's hard to find them before serious damage has already occurred. Most termites are little, white bugs with a soft body, and they eat the wood in your home. If the termite has wings, it can actively reproduce. Termites live in a swarm, living in a colony together.

Termites Create Shelter Tubes

Termites build shelter tubes as a way to cross over barriers that are in the way. For example, you may find a termite shelter tube coming from the ground in your basement that moves along the cement on your basement wall. Termites travel through the tubes, and they are protected when they are inside. Tubes often connect one wooden area with another, providing food for the termites on either end.

Sawdust Is Present That Isn't Caused By You

Sawdust coming from a wooden beam in your home can be caused by either a termite infestation or by carpenter ants, as both burrow into the wood and leave a trail of dust in their wake. If you find trails of sawdust anywhere in your home that you haven't caused, it's time to have your home inspected for a termite or carpenter ant infestation. The earlier you seek help, the less damage that will be done to your home.

Packed Earth on the Walls of Your Basement

One of the most important signs of a termite infestation is the appearance of earth tubes that appear attached to the wood that is infested. It's easy to spot these earth tubes, if you know what you are looking for. 

You Find Wings But No Bugs In Your Home

The swarmer termites are those that can currently reproduce. They have wings, and will fly around, looking for a place to build a new colony. Once an area to settle is found, the wings are dropped. Wings in areas of your home that are moist and dark indicate that you probably have a problem with termites.

If you notice soft spots in your wooden floors, it's time to call a pest control professional to see if you have a termite infestation in your home. If you ignore the problem, termites will only continue to destroy your home.