Getting Rid of Termites: Knowing the Signs of an Infestation
Termites become a major problem whenever they infest your home and aren’t immediately exterminated—termites have a ravenous appetite that keeps them feeding on your home’s wooden structures around the clock. That means every hour could bring more damage to your property. During the swarming season (which is usually in the spring), male and female termites are tasked with developing new colonies where soldier and worker termites keep the colony protected, intact, and thriving—and this could all be happening right underneath your nose.
As a property owner, being proactive in controlling and getting rid of termites can help avoid potentially expensive damage to your home’s wooden structures. Scheduling a termite inspection by a professional pest control service and securing pest control treatment for the property are steps you can take if signs of termites are present in your home.
Signs of Termite Infestations to Watch Out For
When termites have invaded your home, you may not know it immediately, but the signs of termites are visible if you look closely. Signs to look for include:
- Blistered flooring: If wood flooring has areas that are spotty or swollen, it could be a sign that termites may be feeding.
- Evidence of swarms: When termites swarm, it’s specifically to begin their mating season. You may find discarded wings near points of entry such as doors and windows. When the swarming is complete, the termites start another cycle by creating a new colony—worsening the infestation.
- Mud tubes: Evidence of tunnels on exterior walls or your foundation is another sign of termites. These wood-eating culprits are the subterranean termite species. They nest underground and eat their way upward, inflicting damage to wood along the way. The mud tubes they create are small cylinder-type tubes found wherever a viable food source is nearby. The tubes are created by the termites who use the tunnels as a means of transporting food. You’re likely to see these tubes outside your home or in dark, moist spaces like a crawlspace.
- Damaged or hollow wood: Wooden structures in your home may have the appearance of burrows or hollowed-out areas running through them due to termites. The burrows weaken the wood, which can lead to significant structural damage to floors and support beams. You may also see signs of damage in wood furniture and wood framing around doors and windows.
- Drywood termite frass: Termite poop is referred to as frass. The excrement is created by the termites eating the wood. Naturally, the termite poop is composed of wood, so it will look almost like wood shavings—often found in powdery-looking mounds of granules. When these mounds are present, especially around entry points, it is an indication that termites are in the home.
Contact Clint Miller Exterminating
When you see signs of a termite infestation, it’s time to call in the technicians for a free, no-obligation termite inspection. An inspection is the first step towards securing the structural integrity of your home. While there are steps you can take to prevent termites, only a professional and experienced staff like ours at Clint Miller Exterminating know how to get rid of termites.
Schedule a free termite inspection, and our technicians will thoroughly check your property, determine the level of infestation, discuss treatment options, and then map out a plan of action. Call at your earliest convenience or fill out the online request form to get started. No need to live in fear of a termite infestation and structural damage—eliminate termites and protect your home or business today!
