Want to know how expensive termite damages are? Termites cost Americans more than $5 billion per year. That’s the yearly estimate for damage repairs and extermination in the United States alone!
These pests could cause a lot of destruction to your property, and worse, most homeowners’ insurance plans don’t cover termite damage.
This is why having a termite inspection check every 1 to 3 years by pest control experts is important! It will allow you to detect termite infestation as early as possible and helps you save your home.
Speaking of detection, to help keep damage to the least possible, we’ve listed the top 5 Signs of a termite infestation to watch out for.
Keep reading to know more.
Common Types of Termite You Can See at Home
These are the most common termite species that cause structural damage to houses in the United States:
Subterranean Termites
In the US, these are considered the most destructive type of termites.
They are known for building mud tubes to protect themselves and to have access to food.
Formosan termites
Also known as super termites, these are the most aggressive and devious among types.
A damaged wood that sounds hollow when tapped is usually a sign of wooden structures that have been eaten away by a Formosan termite.
Dampwood termites
These are high moisture-loving termites. They are likely to be attracted to woods that are water-damaged. Compared to other types of termites, they are normally larger.
Drywood termites
Unlike subterranean termites and Formosan termites which are usually in contact with soil, dry wood termites do not.
They often build their nests in roof materials and wooden structures of walls. Dry wood termite species swarm usually on a warm, sunny day.
Conehead termites
These types of termites do not rely on underground tunneling like most termites, instead, they travel on the ground like ants.
Also known for being extremely aggressive, they can cause extensive damage in a short span of time.
Top 5 Signs of Termites Infestation to Watch Out For
Being vigilant around your home can help identify potential termite problems. If you happen to see any of the following signs, it’s best to contact a professional pest control company to inspect and provide recommendations about the appropriate actions to do.
READ: What Happens During A Termite Inspection
1. Discarded Wings
Winged termites or Swarmers are the young reproductive species of termites. They are very active during the springtime to mate and search for a new home to colonize.
When they make their landing on windowsills or doors, these winged termites will twist their wings off to discard them.
You would know your house has been targeted by a new termite colony if you can see these flying termites or insect wings near closed windows, doors, and other home-access points
2. Mud Tubes
Wherever there is a possible food source for a termite in your home (like underground, beneath a tree, or under a shed), you’re likely to see some pencil-sized mud tubes.
These are built by subterranean termites which nest underground as they need certain humidity and temperature levels to survive.
If you spot a mud tube forming on the cracks of your walls or floors, it’s time to call a termite control company to prevent further damages.
3. Damaged or Hollow Wood and Noisy Chewing Sounds
Termites are famous wood eaters. These hungry insects feed on the cellulose found in wood to keep them going.
Termites tend to eat wood from the inside out. This means although you cannot see them, you can check if wood is infested by knocking on it to see if it sounds hollow.
Early signs of wood damage are usually found just underneath the surface of your walls or floor. If you suspect termites are colonizing your home, look for blistering wood pieces.
Another sign would be a clicking sound inside the walls, when disturbed, soldier termites bang their heads against the wood or shake their bodies to signal other termites.
They are also noisy eaters; you can hear termites munching if you happen to put your ear near infested wood.
4. Fecal Droppings
Dampwood termites differ from Drywood termites in the way they leave their droppings (frass) behind. Both of these termite species produce waste in the form of pellets.
The droppings of Drywood termites are usually the same color as the wood that the termites are eating and can be found outside the infested area.
Dampwood termite droppings, on the other hand, are more difficult to spot and might only be found inside the hollowed-out wood.
Either way, if you see termite frass, it’s time to call the professionals and get an effective termite treatment right away!
5. Swollen Panels on the Floor or Walls
Termites that target wooden floor or wall panels can often be found through raised floorboards or lumps in the wall.
Swollen panels (which resemble water-damaged panels) can indicate a serious termite infestation.
Take Control of Your Termite Problem With The Best Pest Control Service Provider
Termite infestations cost homeowners in the United States lots of money every year.
Don’t ignore these 5 warning signs. If you see any evidence of termites, it’s time to call a pest control company right away!
Here at Patriot Pest Control, we provide professional and trusted pest exterminators. Call us today to experience Arizona’s best choice pest control company Prescott AZ!
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