If you have a home in Alabama, it’s important to be able to recognize the signs of a termite infestation easily and quickly. Termites cause damages that threaten your safety or make it very expensive to repair. Here are the signs to look out for and what to do about it.
Signs of termite infestation
The most obvious sign of a termite infestation is the presence of winged insects. Termites swarm when they are looking for a new place to nest and during their mating season. The presence of lots of winged insects or their discarded wings near your home is a good indication of termite infestation.
Another sign of a termite infestation is damage to your home structures. Termites eat wood, so they can cause significant damage to your home if you do not treat them early. You may notice that your walls are bowed or that there is considerable damage to your roofing system.
A common sign is that your wood is soft and brittle. Termites eat the wood from the inside out, making it softer as the infestation progresses. You can also look for the presence of mud tubes on your walls, roof or floor, which they build to travel in, typically from their nest to the food source. Lastly, you can also see termite droppings, which are tiny mounds of light beige or black, oval-shaped pellets.
What to do about termite infestation
You can sue for termite damage in Alabama if you recently bought the home, but the seller or home inspector concealed the presence of termites in that house or its environs. However, most insurance policies cover termite damage.
If you suspect the presence of termites in your home, take photos or videos of termite infestation and damage to your property. Such information is critical when filing for claims or in lawsuits.