Wood-eating insects can quietly wreak havoc on your home, causing structural damage that often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. Pests like termites, carpenter ants, and powderpost beetles target the wooden structures that keep a house sturdy and safe.

For structure’s sake, the sections below will help you learn the signs of wood-eating insects, where to look, and how to protect your home from damage.

What Are Wood Eating Insects?

Wood-eating insects are pests that rely on wood for food, shelter, or both. These pests can damage a home’s structure by weakening beams, walls, and flooring, often working out of sight. The most common culprits include termites, carpenter ants, and powderpost beetles.

• Termites are the most destructive. These tiny insects feed on cellulose, a key component of wood, and create intricate tunnel systems within wooden structures. They can remain hidden for years, causing extensive damage before being detected.
• Carpenter ants don’t eat wood but burrow through it to build their nests. They often target damp or decaying wood, making areas with moisture especially vulnerable.
• Powderpost beetles lay eggs in wood, and their larvae bore through it as they grow. This results in tiny holes and a fine powdery residue, a clear sign of their presence.

Top Signs of Them in Your Home

Recognizing the signs of wood-eating insects early can save you from costly repairs.

Pay close attention to the following indicators:

• Hollow-sounding wood: Tap on wooden surfaces, especially floors and beams. A hollow sound may indicate internal damage caused by termites or carpenter ants.
• Frass (sawdust-like material): Powdery residue around baseboards, wooden furniture, or support beams is a common sign of powderpost beetles or carpenter ants.
• Mud tubes: Termites often build pencil-thin mud tunnels along walls or foundations. These tubes help them travel and retain moisture.
• Small holes or tunnels: Look for pin-sized holes in wooden surfaces, particularly furniture, flooring, or structural wood. Powderpost beetles often leave these holes.
• Discarded wings: Swarmers (reproductive termites or ants) shed their wings after finding a new nesting site. Piles of wings near windows, doors, or light fixtures clearly indicate infestation.

It’s also important to watch for active swarms or live insects, especially in warm weather, rainy seasons, and regions with high humidity.

Where to Look for the Signs

Wood-eating insects often target specific areas of a home where wood is exposed, damp, or easy to access.

Knowing where to check can help you identify issues early, so focus on these trouble spots:

• Crawl spaces and basements are often damp and provide an ideal environment for termites and carpenter ants. Check wooden beams, joists, and floor supports for signs of damage or mud tubes.
• Wooden decks, fences, siding, and other outdoor wooden structures are highly vulnerable to pests, especially if they’re untreated or in contact with soil. Look for frass, small holes, or discoloration.
• Attics and roof beams are where drywood termites and carpenter ants often nest. Check the rafters, trusses, and wooden eaves for cracks, tunnels, or hollow-sounding wood.
• Windows and doorframes are common entry points for wood-eating insects. Examine edges and corners for tiny holes, discarded wings, or signs of grass.

Protecting Your Home

Preventing wood-eating insects from invading your home requires proactive maintenance and reducing conditions that attract them. Taking these steps can help safeguard your property:

1) Control moisture: Fix leaky pipes and faucets, clean gutters to prevent water buildup, and ensure proper drainage around your foundation. Consider dehumidifiers in basements and crawl spaces!

2) Seal entry points: Inspect your home’s siding, foundations, or around windows and doors. Use caulk or weatherstripping to close off these access points.

3) Elevate wood: Store firewood at least 20 feet from your home and off the ground. For wooden decks, use treated lumber and keep a gap between the structure and the soil.

4) Maintain structures: Paint or seal decks, fences, and siding to create a protective barrier against pests. Regularly inspect these areas for signs of damage or wear.

5) Trim vegetation: Overgrown trees, bushes, and shrubs can provide a pathway for wood-eating insects. Keep greenery well-trimmed and ensure it doesn’t touch the exterior of your home.

6) Regular inspections: Professionals can spot early infestations and suggest tailored treatments to keep pests at bay.

Other Recommended Maintenance

Beyond protecting against wood-eating insects, regular home maintenance can prevent other issues that lead to infestations.

A few simple tasks to add to your routine:

• Check for standing water near the foundation, as it attracts termites and other pests.
• Inspect for leaks or cracks in the roof, walls, and plumbing.
• Replace any decaying or untreated wood around your home, including garden features like planters or benches.
• Clean debris from gutters and downspouts to keep water flowing away from the house.

When to Call a Professional

Even with regular maintenance, infestations can happen. If you notice multiple signs of wood-eating insects or suspect hidden damage, it’s time to call a professional. Experienced inspectors can:

• Accurately identify the type of pest and assess the extent of the damage.
• Locate infestations in hard-to-reach areas.
• Recommend the best treatment options and preventive measures for your home.

Professional inspections provide peace of mind, ensuring your home is safe and structurally sound.

Conclusion

Wood-eating insects can cause serious damage if left unchecked, but taking early action makes all the difference. Knowing the signs, the vulnerable areas, and maintaining your home are your keys.

If you suspect wood-eating insects are at work or want peace of mind, Inspection Gator’s professional inspections help—schedule yours today in NE Texas.