PestBear’s Blog
Termites not only chew through the wood but also through your wallet. Termite damages can cost you thousands of dollars. To make matters worse, many homeowners do not know they have termites until it’s too late. Termites thrive in warm and humid temperatures, making Florida the perfect vacation spot for them. These vicious little creatures can silently feed on your home for many years. With the majority of homes in the U.S made of wood, any sign of termites is a total nightmare. Here are five telltale signs that PestBear has seen that means your home has a termite problem.
Damaged or Hollowed Wood
Termites eat wood from the inside out, which creates holes in the structure. However, there are cases where the wood appears undamaged. Check for termite damage by knocking the wood. Hearing an empty, hollow sound is a sure sign of a termite infestation. Termite damage is similar to water damage. You need to know the difference so you can instantly spot a termite infestation.
Swarmers
Swarmers are tiny flying black insects with long white wings. They can appear on window sills or brightly colored walls in large numbers. The good news is that termite swarms do not last long. However, swarmers are a sign that there is a current infestation occurring in your home. To check for swarmers, look for discarded wings around your windows and doors.
Mud Tubes
Mud tubes are about the size of a pencil and serve as a nest for termites. You can find mud tubes around your home’s foundation. These tunnels prevent cold air from entering termite colonies and allow these pests to easily enter your home. Even though the majority of mud tubes are underground, they can stick up above the surface.
Termite Droppings
Another telltale sign of termites is their droppings. Termite droppings, also called frass, has the appearance of fine dust and is often confused with actual wood dust. Termites excrete waste as they eat and tunnel their way through the wood. To keep pathways clean, termites remove their waste by pushing it out of their nest. Over time, termites droppings can look like a mound of wooden pellets.
Head Banging
As silent as termites can be, they are noisy eaters. A termite infestation can sound like pops or clicks. To guard against potential threats, soldier termites bang their heads against the wood. The purpose is to alert the entire colony that there is danger ahead. Place your ear against the wall to hear the eerie sounds.
Contact PestBear Pest Control – Termite Experts
Termites may be small but the repair costs can be enormous. In serious cases, termite damage can cost you your entire home. PestBear Pest Control offers residential and commercial protection from pests. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.