Termites

• It might go without saying, but the emergence of termites into a home is a sure sign that the building is infested. Worker termites, the ones that inflict damage, are white and photosensitive, meaning exposure to sunlight can be deadly. Swarming termites, on the other hand, are sexually mature pests that have left a colony in the hope of establishing a new colony elsewhere. These bugs resemble winged ants and generally emerge in midday sun.
  
  

Mud Tubes

• Mud tubes are one method termites use to access a building. Although a home may be properly built, with all wood structures standing several inches above ground level, termites can build hollow mud tubes along foundation walls or cement blocks to gain access to the celluloid material within wood, drywall, even carpet backing. Discovery of these mud tubes is a sure sign that termites have at least explored your home.
  
  

Flimsy Wallboard

• Contrary to popular belief, termites will eat anything containing cellulose, chewing through timber, wallboard, wallpaper, even books and carpeting. Termites harvesting a home for cellulose may eat through walls to the point that only a very thin layer remains between the wall cavity and the outside. Blisters in wallpaper or drywall may be indications of a termite infestation. Tapping these blisters sharply with a blunt object may yield tunnels where termites have excavated.
  
  

Damaged Wood

• Within an infested house, wood may look crushed or sagging at load-bearing points. This can be investigated further by the sound the wood makes when tapped with a blunt object. If it sounds dull or hollow, the wood should be probed further. Sticking a utility blade or pen knife into the wood can help determine whether termites have been there. Infested or harvested wood will have a series of tubes running parallel to the grain.