What Does Termite Damage Look Like Under Vinyl

Learn what the early signs of termite damage looks like where it will likely show first and how to determine for sure if it s actually termites or something else.

What does termite damage look like under vinyl.

Mud tubes or shelter tubes are proof of termite infestation but their absence does not necessarily mean that a structure is free of termites. Looks like water damage. Signs of drywood termite damage drywood termites build their colonies within wooden structures on which they feed. Unfortunately your vinyl laminate carpet and hardwood flooring are all at risk.

On the other hand if you notice some signs it is best to fix it as soon as possible. Termite damage is something that every homeowner should not ignore. The damage will look like your home was attacked by carving knives. The early signs of termites.

They can be found inside of walls or furniture. Look for damage along the grain of the wood or sections that are missing. Drywood termite infestations may only become apparent after a colony has burrowed so deeply into an infested item that the veneer cracks and the maze like tunnels beneath become visible. The insects may reach sills and other wood members through cracks or voids in the foundation wall under the outside stucco or from earth filled porches steps terraces or patios.

Termites recycle wood products into the soil by feeding on cellulose the main cell wall component of plants and breaking it down most termite damage is caused by subterranean underground. Most of the 2 200 or so species of termites live in the tropics and have been munching away on wood for more than 250 million years long before human being began building their homes with lumber. When termites damage a laminate floor it is not possible to repair the laminate material. However in order to avoid serious damage knowing what termite does damage look like and its sign is very important.

If you can t remove a piece of wood inspect your property for wood that crumbles easily or wood that sounds hollow when your tap on it. To begin with you may notice that your floors as well as ceilings appear sagged there may be wings that have piled up some areas that look like they have been damaged by water and some dust like traces. There may also be small holes in the paint where termites have broken through to reach the wood. If you need to spot termite damage because of a suspected infestation cut away a piece of wood from the site if you can.

Painted walls floors or ceilings with buckling paint occur when termites burrow into the wood and push the paint up.