How To Check For Termites

Being a homeowner can be a daunting undertaking. There are always incurring costs that arise, whether it be issues with your heating system, a leaky roof, or a pest infestation. One cost that you don’t want to encounter is a termite infestation.

Typically clear in color, termites are pests that feed on wood. They are capable of damaging the wood structures of homes in a short time frame. Homeowners usually notice the damage first before the termites.

Annually, termites cause billions of dollars of damage to homes across the U.S. but a termite inspection can help prevent a more serious and costly issue.

Is It Time For A Termite Inspection?

If you suspect an infestation, it may be time for a termite inspection. There are several signs that indicate you have a termite problem.

What Is a Termite Inspection?

If you suspect an insect infestation, immediately contact an expert exterminator. The exterminator will perform a termite inspection by first assessing all accessible locations for any indication of inhabitation. They will inform you if there currently is an infestation and they will let you know any areas of your home that are conducive for termite colonization. Following the inspection, the specialist will create a plan of action to prevent these pests from further damaging your home.

Signs You May Have A Infestation

Evidence of termites, damaged wood, clicking noises, tunneling in wood or mud, and tight fitting doors or windows are all indicators of a termite infestation.

Evidence Of Termites

Aside from actually seeing a termite, you may notice wing fragments or droppings. Termites can appear within or outside your home. They are often difficult to spot due to their creamy clear color. Some types of termites can appear black or brown and with or without wings.

Flying termites, or swarmers, emerge in large groups from nests in order to mate. If you find swarmers, immediately schedule a termite inspection. If you suspect there are swarmers in your home, check for any wing fragments. Termites have two sets of identical long teardrop shaped wings.

Termite droppings, or frass, appear as tiny mounds of black pellets or a dark sawdust-like substance around holes in wood that the insects are burrowed in.

Damaged Wood

The wooden structures of your home are meant to be sturdy and strong. Finding the wood in your home hollowed out is a sign of a possible termite infestation. Termites feast on wood from the inside out. Exterior damage to wood can also indicate a pest problem.

Clicking Noises

Termite colonies burrow in the wood structures of your home. When they sense a dangerous threat, the insects bang their heads against the wood creating a noise. Additionally, when termites are feeding, they create a clicking sound as they gnaw against the wood. It may be difficult to hear at first, but as the infestation grows the clicking noises become louder.

Tunnels & Tubes

Major indicators that you have a termite infestation are tunnels or mud tubes. Since termites primarily burrow in and feed on the interiors of wood, tunnels can be difficult to spot. You may first notice tunnels on broken pieces of wood. If you schedule a termite inspection, a certified expert can use detection devices to spot these tunnels.

Mud tunnels are created by termites to travel from their colonies to their food source. These dirt pathways are usually found on the exterior of the home leading to an interior food source. Don’t try to destroy the tubes in an effort to remove the termites, call a professional exterminator for assistance.

Tight Fitting Doors & Windows

Termites are attracted to damp and humid environments. The wooden structures around your home’s windows and doors often dampen due to rain. These become hotspots for termites to feast on. The chewing of wood can lead to the warping of these structures causing your doors and windows to be difficult to open.

Do You Need A Termite Inspection?

Prevent Pest Control is a top pest control company in Ohio. No matter the season, our team will prevent pests from infesting and damaging your home. Visit our website or call us at (440) 517-5581 for a quote today!