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It can be tempting to forget about household pests when the weather is cool, but termites thrive in our homes year round. A termite infestation can cause thousands of dollars in structural damage to your home if it isn’t dealt with properly. It is recommended to get an inspection from a professional every couple of years. But there are signs you can look for in order to know if you have an infestation of termites right now.
This is often the only outwardly visible sign of a termite infestation. Swarmers are the adolescent termites who leave the nest to start new colonies. They have wings which they shed not long after they take off from the original colony. If you spot wings by windowsills or doors, it might be the only sign you get that a termite colony is moving into your home.
As many of us know, termites eat wood. This diet is strange, but the way they go about it is even stranger. They like to eat wood from the inside out! This means the wood becomes hollow before eventually fracturing or crumbling. So if you tap a wooden beam or structure and hear a hollow sound, this likely means a termite colony has been making lunch out of your home.
Subterranean termites, which live in the ground beneath your home, need a safe way to enter your home. They build mud tubes in order to provide moisture and protection as they travel between your home and their nest. You will often see mud tubes on the foundation of your home going up into the first floor walls.
Frass is the term for termite fecal matter. Termites are eating wood, so their droppings tend to resemble small pellets. If you find small piles of what appears to be wood-like pellets, then call a pest expert immediately.
When the structure of the wood has been compromised, it can appear to buckle or sag. This damage may resemble water damage without the dampness. If you see any bubbling paint and you know your plumbing is in tip-top shape, then it’s best to call a pest expert.
Don’t let a termite infestation damage your home. Call Richie the Bug Man today!
