One of the most annoying things in a living space can be the presence of termites. These are small, white, soft insects that can survive in both dry as well as damp areas. They are never seen alone; they always move in bunches and hence the annoyance and irritation is also manifold. They are found especially at the base of the kitchen sink or in the cupboard folds, as these are their favorite spots.

If you have been wondering how to identify whether your home or office is infested by termites, read on to know some of the early warning signs of termites. These might help you identify the signs and get rid of termites before they occupy your entire house.

• Termite tubes : These are tube-like structures made of mud, which are seen near metal surfaces. They are commonly used for shelter (remember, they move as a group) and to store food.
• Mud packing : When there are termites in action beneath the Earth’s surface, there is often a lot of mud that is seen over the top surface. This is common along damp walls and timber surfaces. This indicates the presence of termites underneath.
• Noise : Termites are never going to stay quiet. They will be making tunnels and excavating wood as a team, and their way of communication is to tap their antenna. This, given their large numbers, produces a good, audible sound and is a good early warning sign for termites.
• Dropped wings : When they reproduce, termites are on the lookout for new locations, and they drop off their wings in the process. This is another warning sign for termites.
• Hollow wooden surfaces : Termites can eat up wood from within and leave behind hollow wooden surfaces. If there are honeycomb patterns on your windows or other wooden surfaces, consider them as early warning signs of termites.
• Pellet droppings : Termite droppings, known as frass, can be seen around the area of the termite infestation. This is another thing to watch out for, as it is one of the early warning signs of termites in your home or garden.