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Telltale Signs of Termites

By
Home Inspector with HouseMaster Home Inspections
Termites can take a bite out of your home’s value unless you get them where they live. Insects can cause more damage than moisture problems. Fortunately, you can perform a thorough inspection in less than an hour. The secret is knowing where to look.

Termites don’t live in your floors or framing. They nest in soil near the porches, sheds or other lumber on which they feed. Their skills at concealment, fortunately, are no match for a dedicated homeowner.

Look for lines of mud leading from the soil around your home to the sill plate or other wooden portions of the structure. These are termite tubes. Use a screwdriver to poke at wood that termites can reach from the soil. Keep in mind that the concrete foundation of your home provides the termites with ready-made tunnels. This means the tell-tale sign of the insect might be less noticeable or absent entirely.

Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue. More home safety and maintenance information is available online at housemaster.com.

This information is provided for general guidance purposes only. Neither DBR Franchising, LLC nor the local HouseMaster® franchise warrants its accuracy and assumes no liability related to its use. Contact the local franchise office and/or qualified specialists for advice pertinent to your specific house or circumstances. © Copyright 2008 DBR. Each HouseMaster franchise is an independently owned and operated business. HouseMaster is a registered trademark of DBR Franchising, LLC.