What are the signs of termite damage?
Termites are tough insects with a voracious appetite for wood. Unfortunately, this can lead to severe home and property damage as the hungry critters feast their way through structural materials. Careful home inspection can give clues as to whether termites exist in a home or building. Looking for signs of termite damage can allow homeowners to take action quickly to eliminate insects before severe damage is done. Termites have a habit of excavating wood from the inside, leaving wood that looks solid but is actually hollow under the surface. One of the most obvious signs of termite damage is hollowed out wood. To test, tap exposed wood with a hammer and listen for a hollow sound. Wood that has been attacked by termites may even break when tapped firmly, exposing the hollowed out interior layers.