Finding termites in house can be every homeowner’s worst nightmare. These tiny, silent destroyers feed on wood and cellulose materials, often going undetected until severe damage has already been done. Whether they’re hiding in your furniture, walls, or wooden flooring, household termites can weaken the structural integrity of your home. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the common causes, top signs of termite infestation, and proven methods to get rid of termites—from natural home remedies to professional termite control services.

What Are Termites and Why They Invade Houses

Termites are small, social insects that feed primarily on wood and cellulose-based materials. While they play an important role in nature by breaking down dead wood, termites inside houses can cause significant structural damage.

These pests build colonies and tunnels, often inside walls, floors, and furniture, staying hidden from plain sight. They thrive in warm, moist environments, which makes many Indian homes the perfect breeding ground.

Once termites find access to moisture and food (wood), they can multiply rapidly, forming colonies that may contain thousands—or even millions—of members.

Causes of Termite Infestation in Homes

Understanding what attracts termites to your home is key to prevention. Here are some of the most common causes of household termite infestations:

1. Moisture and Dampness

Termites are highly attracted to moisture. Leaky pipes, poor drainage, or damp basements create an ideal environment for them to thrive.

2. Wooden Furniture and Structural Wood

Your home’s wooden structures, flooring, and furniture act as a constant food source. Untreated or old wood makes it even easier for termites to invade.

3. Cracks and Openings in Walls

Small cracks in foundations or walls serve as entry points. Even a tiny opening can allow an entire colony to infiltrate your home.

4. Poor Ventilation

Lack of airflow increases humidity, making spaces like attics and basements favorable for termites.

5. Soil-to-Wood Contact

When wooden structures directly touch soil (like garden furniture or wooden decks), it provides a bridge for termites to enter your house.

6. Neglected Maintenance

Ignoring early signs or skipping inspections often leads to bigger infestations later.

10 Common Signs of Termite Infestation

Termites are silent destroyers. But even though they work quietly, they leave behind clear evidence. Here are ten telltale signs you might have termites inside your house:

1. Hollow-Sounding Wood

Tap on wooden surfaces. If they sound hollow, termites may have eaten through the inside.

2. Mud Tubes on Walls

Subterranean termites build thin, mud-colored tunnels to travel and protect themselves from light and air.

3. Discarded Wings

After mating, flying termites shed their wings. Finding these near windows or lights is a strong indicator of infestation.

4. Peeling or Bubbling Paint

Termites produce moisture while eating wood, which causes paint to bubble or peel off.

5. Cracked or Warped Wooden Floors

Termite damage can make your flooring uneven or cracked.

6. Termite Droppings (Frass)

These look like small wood-colored pellets or sawdust, often found near walls or wooden structures.

7. Tight-Fitting Doors or Windows

As termites eat through wood, they can distort frames, making doors and windows harder to close.

8. Clicking Sounds in Walls

Worker termites are noisy eaters—you may hear faint clicking or tapping sounds inside infested wood.

9. Damaged or Sagging Furniture

Wooden furniture may lose its strength and start sagging or collapsing over time.

10. Presence of Swarmers

Swarmers are winged termites that appear during mating season. If you spot them indoors, it’s a sign of an active colony nearby.

Types of Termites Found Inside Houses

There are three main types of household termites you might encounter:

1. Subterranean Termites

The most common and destructive type, they build colonies underground and create mud tubes to access food sources above ground.

2. Drywood Termites

They live inside dry wood, such as furniture and doors, without needing soil contact.

3. Dampwood Termites

These termites prefer moist wood and are often found in bathrooms, kitchens, or areas with water leaks.

How to Get Rid of Termites Effectively

To get rid of termites, start by identifying the affected areas. A visual inspection can help, but professionals use advanced tools like moisture meters and infrared scanners for accuracy.

When wondering how do you get rid of termites, remember that it depends on the severity of the infestation. Minor infestations can be handled with home remedies, while serious cases require professional termite exterminators.

DIY Termite Treatment at Home

If you want to try termite treatment at home, here are a few effective DIY remedies:

1. Boric Acid

Apply boric acid on wooden surfaces. It kills termites by disrupting their digestive system.

2. Vinegar and Lemon Juice

Mix equal parts and spray it on infested wood. It works best for small areas.

3. Neem Oil

Neem oil affects termite reproduction, preventing colony growth.

4. Cardboard Traps

Wet cardboard attracts termites. Once they gather, remove and burn it carefully.

5. Sunlight Exposure

Expose wooden furniture to sunlight for a few hours; termites can’t survive heat and dryness.

However, these methods are temporary and best suited for mild infestations. For deep-rooted termite problems, professional treatment is essential.

Professional Termite Control Services

When DIY methods fail, it’s time to call experts. Professional termite control services use safe and effective chemicals that reach hidden colonies.

A termite control service typically includes:

1. Detailed inspection of your property.
    
2. Identifying termite species and affected areas.
    
3. Applying chemical or non-chemical barriers.
    
4. Regular follow-ups for prevention.
    

Professional termite exterminators also use soil treatment, drilling, and injection techniques to stop termites at the source.

If you’re asking, how do I get rid of termites permanently, the answer lies in professional intervention combined with preventive care.

Preventing Termites in the Future

Termite prevention is just as important as treatment. Follow these tips to keep your home termite-free:

1. Repair leaks and eliminate moisture sources.
    
2. Keep wooden furniture away from damp areas.
    
3. Use termite-resistant wood for construction.
    
4. Maintain good ventilation in basements and attics.
    
5. Seal wall cracks and foundation gaps.
    
6. Store firewood away from your home.
    
7. Get annual inspections from a termite control expert.

Why Choose Awadh Pest Control Services

If you’ve discovered termites in your house or suspect early signs, it’s best to act immediately. Awadh Pest Control Services offers trusted termite control and extermination services tailored for both residential and commercial spaces.

Their experienced team uses modern, eco-friendly methods to eliminate termites safely and ensure long-term protection for your property. From inspection to complete termite treatment, Awadh Pest Control delivers guaranteed results and peace of mind.

Conclusion

Termites may be small, but their damage is anything but. Ignoring them can lead to costly repairs and safety risks. The good news is that with proper care, regular inspections, and professional help, you can keep your home termite-free for years.

So, whether you’re dealing with a few termites inside your house or a large colony, take action today. Try DIY remedies for light cases, or contact Awadh Pest Control Services, your local termite control experts, for complete and lasting protection.