Termites are damaging more homes in Windsor-Essex this year than ever before, according to local exterminators.

The insects are chewing up and spitting out wet wood in the region, and the warm weather is one of the reasons.

"Partly because of the mild winter we had. What happens with the mild winter is that we don't get the normal kill of the termites. So then this year, we've got that much more volume to deal with," said Scott McClenaghan of Steve's Pest Management.

He was in Leamington Wednesday, inspecting a house. Homeowner Sheldon Kobinec had no idea the critters were crawling in his walls until his neighbour noticed his window deteriorating, but McClenaghan figures they've been there at least two years.

"I was shocked. It's like another problem again. It's hard enough to have one income. Now, I have to come up with the money to fix this damage now," Kobinec said.

McClenaghan said he's received more termite calls so far this year than all of last year. Leamington, Amherstburg and areas near large bodies of water are the worst for termites, he added.

Homeowners often discover termites when they start renovating. By then, exterminators say, it may be too late.

People often forget that leaking outdoor faucets, wet windows and doors attract termites.

"If the wood is sitting on the soil, that's where the moisture will gather and that's where the termites will gather around," McClenaghan said.