Hey KB and Others...How Do I Know If Termites Are Active? (new house)

[purelygeneric]

The new house has a current termite contract. But after ripping up a rug, I found two thin wood planks that appear to be eaten away. It appears contained. How can I tell if this is old damage or new?

Thanks!

[Kbinspections]

Well Its not easy. If the frass(mud) looks pale any dry, its most likely old damage. Look in the basement underneath that area to see if you see and shelter tubes leading from that are to the ground or outside. If there is some, break a small part of the tube open and check in a week to see if its rebuilt.

In the spring and sometimes the fall, you will see a swarm of "flying ants", then you know its active.

Can you send me some pics?

[purelygeneric]

KB - I will try to snap some photos! Thanks for the 411.

The dirt under the wood appeared to be dry and grainy.