Do Termites Cause Squeaky Floors?
Termites are known to destroy hardwood floors. They feed on moisture, and weaken the wood’s support structure. This can cause the flooring to collapse, which means it needs to be replaced. It can also be expensive to repair.
Depending on the extent of the damage, a hardwood floor can be salvaged. If you can find the damaged section of wood, you can use a sharp chisel or mallet to remove it. A circular saw can also be used to remove damaged pieces. You can refinish the area with wood filler, and use finishing nails to secure the new piece of hardwood.
When you see signs of water damage, such as mold or mildew, on your wood floor, this is a sign of termite damage. This can occur from a plumbing problem, or if your floor is exposed to water.
The biggest indicator of termite damage is a hollow sounding floor. This can be caused by termites gnawing through the wood, and can be heard when you tap on the wall or floor. It can also be caused by seasonal changes in moisture, which is why wooden floors are susceptible to squeaking.
Termites have an insatiable appetite for wood. They are attracted to it because of the moisture. When they eat it, they create cavities and make tunnels in the wood. They leave behind a waste byproduct called frass. The frass looks like sand.
If your floor is showing signs of termite damage, you’ll want to treat it immediately. Identifying the source of the problem will save you from expensive repairs.