Every year, termites cause billions of dollars worth of damage to crops and buildings in the United States. In fact, American home and business owners spend about $2 billion a year in termite treatment alone.

Due to the rising temperature and moisture levels, termites are most active in the spring. However, depending on where you live, you may see them in the fall as well.

In order to avoid spending thousands in termite treatment and repair, you have to know how to know if you have termites. Read on to learn a few of the major signs of a termite infestation, so you can better protect your property from damage.

1. Mud Tubes

Mud tubes are created by subterranean termites as a means to travel between the soil and their food source.

Often visible on your home’s foundation, these thin tunnels protect termites from drying out by retaining moisture.

2. Head Banging

When termites sense danger, they will bang their heads against the wood in your walls or shake their bodies.

This can be heard as subtle clicking noises coming from inside the walls.

3. Frass (Termite Droppings)

Frass, or termite droppings, is a sign of a serious infestation. The frass is dropped as termites eat wood and create their tunnels in your home.

Because termites are about the size of ants, their pellets are very small, similar in appearance to sawdust.

4. Discarded Wings

This is the most common sign of a termite infestation. Winged termites will leave a mature colony to create a new home, shedding their wings when they’ve arrived.

If you see wings on your window sills or in cobwebs in your home, it’s time to call in a professional. Catching the infestation early can prevent the need for costly termite tenting.

5. Damaged Trees

As termites make their way toward your home, they may stop in trees in your yard. A termite colony formed in a tree near your home is also dangerous because the damage to the tree increases its risk of falling.

The best way to determine whether or not termites have made their home in one of your trees is to dig around the soil near the roots. If you see termites, dead or alive, or discarded wings, you have a problem.

6. Bubbling Paint

If you notice bubbling or discolored paint in your home, there are two likely causes: termites or water damage. The bubbling means you have a build-up of moisture in your walls, which is a serious issue that needs to be addressed even if you don’t have termites.

Protect Your Home: How to Know If You Have Termites

With any insect infestation, early intervention is the key to minimizing the effects. Termites are particularly dangerous to you and your home as they quite literally eat away at the frame of your house.

By using this guide on how to know if you have termites, you’ll be more likely to spot the signs before your home suffers irreversible damage.

Looking for more tips on protecting your home from pests? Be sure to check out our blog!