Nobody wants to deal with pests issues in their home, and in some cases, you may not even be aware that you have an issue at all. Keeping your home and family safe from pests can be difficult, especially if the problem is termites.
Why are termites so harmful, you may ask? Well, termites, even though they are not dangerous to humans, can cause massive damage to your home. They consume all kinds of materials, from wood to paper, drywall, insulation, and even plastic.
These damages to your home can result in expensive repairs. Termites can be difficult to spot, but it's essential to inspect your home at least once a year for them.
So how do you know if you do have termites? In this article, we will discuss some ways you can spot potential termite infestations.
Mud Tubes
Sometimes you can notice termite damage before you ever see a termite.
Subterranean termites build tubes made out of wood and moist soil mixed with termite saliva to help them get from their colony to any food source they may find. These tubes can be seen on hard surfaces. Termites require these tubes to survive since they are susceptible to dehydration. These mud tubes offer shelter that locks in moisture and helps to shield the termites from predators and protect them from dry air.
Swollen Walls and Flooring
Termites live right underwood surfaces. This tends to cause floorboards and walls to swell, potentially causing the paint on walls to blister. This may even look like water damage. Additionally, termites can cause wood to split and crack. They hollow out wood, and one way you can test to see if this is happening is by simply knocking on the wood structure of your house. You should be able to hear a hollow sound indicating termites are or have been there. Also, you may even hear the termites inside your walls, and it may sound similar to a clicking noise.
Spotting Termites
You may notice termite bodies or even living termites in your home though typically, you will not see them in high-traffic areas. Termites may also leave behind droppings that resemble sawdust.
In the Spring, termites swarm near warm areas with lots of light. Such as by windows and doors. They then shed their wings. If you spot a pile of wings near windows or doors, this is a sure indicator that termites are invading your home.
Eliminating termites can be a difficult task, and that's why Gressette Pest Management is here to help you and your family stop termites from destroying your home and property. If you see signs of termites or are concerned that you may have a termite invasion, call us today!
