Termites can cause serious damage to your home and can be difficult to detect early enough. But fortunately, a few warning signs can help you identify a possible termite infestation. Knowing what to look for and taking quick action is key to protecting your property from costly termite damage.
The following are the most common signs of a termite infestation to help you stay aware and protect your property.
Mud Tubes
Mud tubes are small tunnels of dirt, wood, and termite saliva. Mud tubes provide a protective tunnel for termites to travel through as they move between their colony and food source. The tubes are one of the first signs of a termite infestation.
Though mud tubes are not a problem by themselves, they allow termites to wreak havoc. And unfortunately, the removal of termite tubes doesn't take care of the termite infestation.
Presence of Swarmers
A swarmer is a winged adult reproductive member of a termite colony. During certain cycles of the year, swarmers emerge in large numbers to find a mate and a new place to establish a colony. Termite swarmers have straight antennae, two pairs of wings that are equal in size, and a broad waist.
Flying swarmers around your property or inside your home often indicate an active termite infestation.
Discarded Wings
When termites swarm, they shed their wings after finding a mate and establishing a new colony. So if you find piles of discarded wings near windows or doorways, chances are that there is an infestation in or around your home.
Termite Droppings
Another telltale sign of a termite infestation is the presence of termite droppings, also known as frass. Termite droppings may appear as small pellets or a sawdust-like substance.
You can often find the droppings near termite entry points or areas where termites have been active.
Damaged Wood
Termites feast on wood, which includes parts of your house and furniture made from wood. Termites feed on wood from the inside out, so damage may not be visible on the surface.
Even so, if you tap on a wooden structure and it sounds hollow, it may be a sign of termite damage. Additionally, if you notice small holes or tunnels in wooden structures, especially ones with sawdust around them, you may have an infestation on your hands.
As a homeowner, you should take precautions by looking for signs of a potential termite infestation. While termites can be incredibly destructive, catching the infestation early can help minimise the damage they cause and save you money in the long run. If you think you may have a termite infestation in your home, contact a pest control professional. The expert can help identify the problem through an inspection and offer solutions to eliminate the termites efficiently.
Contact a pest control company to learn more about termite inspections.
Share24 March 2023
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