7 Signs That You Might Have Anay At Home

Burrowed-in wood, hollow columns, and termite mounds are all obvious signs of termite (anay) infestation. But when you see these, it's probably too late, and your house might be severely damaged already. 

There are a few subtle signs of termite infestation that are not-too-obvious to the eye, but catching these signs early could save your house from any further damage. Here are the signs to watch out for:

Swollen bulges on a wall or column

If you see a wood or plywood wall, or a wood-wrapped column with an unusual bulge (also called buntis or nagbubuntis in worker's parlance) or a sunken spot, there is probably some form of termite infestation behind or within the wall. 

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IMAGE Pexels

Soft spots on a wooden floor

If you're walking on a wooden floor and notice some soft spots or areas that "give" when you step on it, there could be some termite damage to the floor planks or even to the wooden joists that anchor the floor. 

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Gamu-gamo flying around a lightbulb

Moths flying around a lightbulb at night may have romantic connotations, but perhaps you might want to look closely: those moths might be winged termites. And the presence of winged termites (also called "swammers") means that they are inhabiting an area within or around your house. 

IMAGE Pixabay

Small holes and unexplained mounds of dust

If you see tiny holes in a wood column or furniture piece that wasn't there in the beginning, paired with what looks like a small pile of wooden dust nearby, this could be a sign of termites. These holes could also be attributed to wood borers, another kind of pest.

Mud tubes

When you see thin trails of mud snaking up a concrete or wooden wall, or around the foundation of a house, this is a more obvious sign of infestation. The tubes, which are made out of the termites' droppings and soil, are a protection and tunnel for the termites, and provide moisture for them. 

Doors that are stuck

Cabinet or room doors that mysteriously get stuck to the frame or won't open might have termites, as an infestation may cause the wood of the door to expand or swell. 

IMAGE Pixabay

A strong smell of mildew or mold

If your house has a strong, musty, or mildew-y smell and it isn't even raining, then there could be termites around, as the smell could be emitted from the mud tubes, moist wood, and the burrowing that they are creating. 

If you notice any or a combination of these signs, call your local pest exterminator to thoroughly inspect and treat your house. And don't attempt to treat the infestation on your own! The chemicals that are used are highly toxic, and should only be handled by professionals. 

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SOURCES: jcehrlich.com, pests.guru