Termites can do a lot of damage to your property, including chewing through floor joists and rafters. You should always look for signs of termites throughout the year, but especially during the spring. As soon as you see the signs, you should implement termite control practices immediately, especially if they are chewing through the structural beams of your home.
Signs of a Termite Infestation
Once you notice a termite infestation, you can count on the fact that the termites in my home have been there for some time. Signs of a termite infestation include mud-like material that seem to go in trails or cover holes, a swarm of termites near your home and mud tunnels in the ground (subterranean termites).
Swarmers
If you see a swarm of termites near your home, they may not have reached your home yet. But, it is best to get rid of them as they will migrate to your home and wooden outbuildings. Swarms consist of adult male and females that leave their home nest to create a new colony. The most common time to see swarmers is March through June and September and October.
Termite Mud
This substance that looks a lot like mud is actually a combination of termite saliva and feces mixed with soil. Termites use this to cover holes they make in the wood and to build tubes on the wood.
Mud Tunnels
Subterranean termites build tunnels that lead from their underground nest to their food source, which is wood. The tunnels also provide shelter for these pests. If you want a good indication of whether termites are still active, break the tunnels apart, the watch to see if the termites repair the break as they often make repairs instead of building new tunnels. However, this is not a guarantee that the termites are gone.
Additional Signs of Termites
Look for additional signs of termites, including:
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Wing piles – the swarmers lose their wings as they develop;
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Live termites;
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Tiny holes on the wood;
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Buckling paint; and
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Wood that looks crushed at bearing points in the structure.
How to Get Rid of Termites
If you see termite damage, the first thing you should do is to conduct a termite inspection. You can look for signs of termites yourself, but if you are not sure, call in a termite exterminator. H & H Pest Control and Waterproofing will help you locate the termites and then will recommend the best way to get rid of them.
While you can try to get rid of termites yourself, it’s often difficult, especially if the infestation is large or if the termites are already in the structural part of your home. By the time you notice that you have an infestation, the damage is most likely already widespread. Different species of termites require different treatments that could include bait a liquid treatment or even fumigation.
You can help keep termites from being attracted to your home by keeping any plants away from your home and making sure wood piles – for those that burn wood – are kept a good distance away from the house.
Contact H&H Pest Control and Waterproofing
If you see signs of a termite infestation, contact H&H Pest Control and Waterproofing to schedule an appointment for an inspection and treatment.
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