If you see signs of termite infestation or hear that termites have infested homes in your neighborhood, it's time to call an exterminator. Even though termites don't inherently pose a risk to people, they can hide in walls, homes, furniture, and even the foundation of houses for a long period of time, which causes major damage, according to Home Steady. Check out the following signs to see if termites are infesting your home.

1. You See Termite Wings or Flying Termites

This is one of the earliest indications of termite infestation. These flying insects leave the nest when the colony reaches its capacity to find a mate and start a new colony. While some species fly at night and some do so during the day, most prefer to soar in the hours and days following a rainstorm. When they find a suitable location, they'll drop those wings, and the queen will begin to reproduce. They'll look after the young ones until enough workers are taken over. The monarch and queen can establish a sizable colony and live blissfully for at least ten years if you don't intervene.

2. The Wood Sounds Hollow or Has Little Holes in It

Termites consume wood from the inside out to remain undetectable, leaving no evidence of their activities. As a result, they form open galleries beneath the surface as they devour it without you even being able to see. If you tap or knock on the wood and it sounds hollow, or if you touch a door or other wooden surface and your finger effortlessly breaks through, then it's a clear sign of damage. Once you realize everything has been consumed from the inside out and there's only a thin surface layer left, seek the services of an exterminator company.

3. The Power Goes Out

Termites primarily consume wood. However, they can feed into almost anything including underground cables, telephone wires, and power wires. If you experience frequent short circuits for no apparent reason, then termites may be responsible for the electrical faults. In addition to this, subterranean termites may fill the sockets with mud as a form of defense. These wet sockets might pose a risk and provide electric shocks when touched.

Inspect your home regularly for any termite infestation. You can also call our exterminator company to check your home. Early detection will help you to prevent a lot of damage and to save money. Call us today at Southeastern Termite & Pest Control for assistance with termite inspection and treatment.