Pest Control Blog

TERMITE TROUBLE? HOW TO TELL IF YOUR HOME IS INFESTED

If you've ever seen swarms of flying ants around your home or noticed thin, tall columns of small insects marching through your yard, you may have a termite infestation problem on your hands. Termites are the most common pest in the United States. According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). They cause homeowners billions of dollars in damage per year.
Fortunately, if you are observant, there are several warning signs that can help you identify whether or not you have termites in your home.
Here are signs of termite infestation you should always look out for:

• Swarms Of Insects Near Your Foundation

If you see swarms of insects near your foundation, this can be an indication that you have a termite infestation. Termites are attracted by the moisture from the soil and will build their colony around these moist areas. They may also be nesting in some of the trees or grasses around your house. If there are any cracks or openings in your foundation, they may use these as entrances into the house.
You should seal off these holes with concrete caulk. You may notice piles of dry wood dust under your house; this is another sign that you have termites. To identify whether it's a dirt pile left by termites, sprinkle a few drops of water on the pile; if it turns dark within minutes, then you know that it's made up of dry wood particles and not just dirt.
The same goes for a wet pile; if it remains wet after 10-15 minutes, it's most likely termites. You'll want to call a reliable and professional termite removal company or exterminator to eliminate the problem before it worsens.

• Mud Tubes on The Exterior of Your Home

If you see mud tubes on the exterior of your home, it's a sign that termites are nearby. These tubes are about the width and length of a pencil, and they act as a connective passage for termites to get from one place to another.
The tubes will look different depending on what type of soil they're in. In dry areas like Arizona, they tend to be more horizontal and shinier because the dirt is more compact. But in wetter climates with looser soils like Louisiana, the termites use them to move vertically up trees or buildings.
Mud tunnels can also signify an active nest below ground, but again, this depends on where you live and the climate conditions around your home. So how do you know if there is an infestation? One way to find out is by using a device called a sniffer, which uses either carbon dioxide (CO2) or hexane gas (C6H14) to detect any tell-tale signs of activity underground. This is best left to termite removal experts.
Other methods include checking for mud trails leading from tree trunks or structures onto your roofline, as well as looking at places where water has been seeping into the wall surface and discoloring it.

Remember that these signs don't always mean that you have a full-blown infestation going on YET; sometimes termites are just passing through, so check other indicators before taking any termite removal steps.
However, it's best to call in a professional when in doubt since termites can cause extensive structural damage and even lead to electrical fires. And if you DO think your home is infested, never treat it yourself! Always contact a licensed pest control company to set up a proper inspection and ensure everything is well taken care of.

• Hollow Sounding Wood When Tapped

If you hear the sound of hollow wood when you tap it, this could indicate a termite infestation. Termites chew through moist, softwood, causing it to be uneven and have a hollow sound when tapped. Another sign to look out for is small piles of sawdust nearby; this can also signify that there are termites in the area.
The most common places to find them are behind appliances or along baseboards. Inspecting the exterior of your home with a magnifying glass can reveal spots where they might be entering from under doors or around windows.
You may also notice small piles of dirt near the house's foundation, which indicates that there are termites present. To get rid of them, you will need to call an exterminator who has been trained and certified to handle these types of pests safely so as not to harm any humans or pets in the home.

• Cracks Or Holes in Wood

Termites aren't just annoying little pests - they're dangerous for homeowners, especially those who live in wooded areas where there's plenty of greenery for them to feast on. Termites chew through wood very slowly, so it might take some time before you notice anything out of the ordinary - but it's always better to be safe than sorry. It is common for termites to wreak havoc on structures without you realizing your home is being attacked until it's too late.
Have You Noticed Cracks or Holes In Wooden Frames Or Walls In Your Home?
It could be a sign that termites are at work. As we hinted earlier, termites can cause structural damage with their tunneling, and termite infestation could lead to increased energy bills. Thankfully, termites are easy to detect and get rid of if you contact a professional pest control service to inspect the property periodically.

• Discarded Wings Near Doors or Windows

One way to identify a termite infestation in your house is by looking for discarded wings near doors or windows. Termites travel from the ground up and usually only stop at those two locations if they're trying to get into the house.
If you find discarded wings, it could mean that you have termites in your walls. The best thing to do would be to hire a professional pest control company. They will inspect your entire property for any signs of an infestation and then provide you with an effective termite infestation treatment plan.
Now that you know what signs to look out for if you suspect a termite infestation, we can shift our focus to how to prevent termite infestation and why you should not hesitate to call a pest control service near you.

How To Prevent Termite Infestation
The best way to prevent termites from attacking your home is by ensuring it's well-maintained. Termites are attracted to wood with high moisture content, so fix leaky pipes, install weather stripping around doors and windows, and make sure the gutters are clean.
When inspecting for signs of termites in the yard, look for mud tubes or tunnels leading up into the house. If you do find evidence of an infestation, contact a professional pest control company right away. There are many different kinds of treatments available depending on the type of infestation.
Once treatment has been completed, there will be an inspection to ensure all pests have been eliminated before declaring that everything is safe again. If new sightings are found, another round of treatment must be administered.
How To Choose Professional Best Termite Infestation Control Service
Choosing a termite control service can be a daunting task, but there are some key things you should consider before signing on the dotted line.
First, figure out what type of pest problem you have: subterranean termites or dry wood termites. Then decide whether you need a whole-home treatment or just spot treatments for certain rooms.
The next step would be to ask about their warranty and ensure that the company has been in business long enough and have ample experience dealing with termite infestation cases.
There you have it. Top tips on taking back your home from termites and signs of termite infestation to look for. If you are looking for a professional pest control service to help you inspect your property and recommend the best termite treatment, contact Fromms Pest Control today. You would wish you had contacted us sooner