Telltale Signs Of Termites
It can be a homeowner's worst nightmare: of Small wood particles and dust everywhere, heavy structural damage, and an infestation that’s spread throughout their home (inside and out). It’s a reality that many people go through at least once as a homeowner , and it can be a costly experience if the signs of a termite problem aren’t caught (and treated) early enough.
But for those with a trained eye, subtle signs of a growing termite infestation can be caught before the issue worsens, potentially leading to structural damage of the property. Here are a few telltale signs of termite activity in your home.
Swarmers and Discarded Wings
In the springtime, often following bouts of rainy weather, termite colonies start producing reproductive termites called “swarmers” which are commonly mistaken for flying ants. , A swarmers primary purpose is to reproduce for their colony, producing offspring and spreading the colony to new locations. These swarmers eventually shed their wings once they’ve made it far enough away from their original colony. Thick groupings of these winged termites, or swarms, found in or around the outside of your home or business often are a sure sign that you have a larger issue at hand.
Fine Wood Dust, Frass
The common trait of all termite species is their choice of wood as their primary sustenance. As termites chew through wood, whether it’s manufactured or natural, they leave behind excrement that resembles fine particles of wood dust. This excrement is referred to as “frass,” and, when found in abundance in your home or business, is another telltale sign that you might have some uninvited guests dining on your building.
Hollow-Sounding Wood
Even if exposed wood in your home looks untouched and unharmed, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s termite-free. If knocking on a beam or another piece of exposed wood produces a sonorous, hollow sound, it can be a sign that termites have effectively hollowed out the piece of lumber by chewing through it. This, along with the few other signs of termite activity, can point to an infestation getting a foothold in your home.
Mud Tubes
Another important indicator of termite activity in your home is the appearance of so-called "mud tubes" along the foundation of your home. Mud tubes serve several functions for termite colonies, but the bottom line is that they are routes that termites use to explore and ultimately colonize your home or building.
Leave It to the Experts
If you are unlucky enough to detect these signs of termite activity in your business or home, then it’s time to call in the Professionals at JP Pest Services. With industry-leading pest control methods and equipment, you can depend on JP Pest Services to not only root out your termite infestation but prevent it from happening again. If you think you might have a termite problem, contact JP Pest Services today for an inspection and estimate.
