Termites are a huge problem. They can cause structural damage to your home or commercial building. Left untreated, they can be expensive to eradicate. So, you want to identify termites as quickly as possible. The best way to detect termites is to have a pest control specialist come out and inspect your property on a yearly basis. They know what to look for and can often detect termites before you would otherwise see signs of them.
Damage
One of the most obvious signs of termites is damage. We all know that termites eat wood. However, you want to keep an eye out for other types of damage. Somethings that can indicate termites are:
- Peeling paint
- Damage that looks like water damage
- Drooping drywall
- Holes in wood or drywall
- Buckling floors
- Hollow-sounding wood
- Stuck windows or doors
- Crumbling wood
- Squeaking floorboards
- Loose tiles
Termite Wings
Another big sign of termites is a pile of termite wings. Termites are interesting because they are winged and non-winged insects. Termites have wings to use to swarm. However, they shed their wings after they fly to their new location. That means that you might find piles of shed termite wings. If so, that is an indication that there is probably a termite nest nearby.
Mud Tubes
Termites use mud tubes as bridges between where they live (the colony) and what they eat, which is wood. The tubes are not actually mud. They are made up of wood, soil, and other debris. They are not just bridges; they also help protect the colony. However, if you notice mud tunnels or tubes, especially in areas like crawl spaces, you probably have termites.
Droppings
Finally, keep an eye out for termite droppings. Termite droppings are called frass. They look like other insect feces, but you may find them in mounds. So, if you see insect droppings, especially feces that look like pellets, it can be a sign of termites.
Contact Us
If you think you see signs of termites, give us a call. One of our pest control specialists can come out to inspect the premises. Even if you do not see signs of termites, it is a good idea to schedule regular termite inspections. Protect your property with regular inspections and preventative care.
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