Termites are extremely destructive. They can often live on your premises for a protracted period without getting detected. Whether it is subterranean termites that live underground or dry wood termites that set in deep within wooden structures, these pests are very difficult to discover. Often when they are found, the damage to the property has already been done.
It is important to keep an eye on some warning signs of infestation and call a professional pest agency such as Rove Pest Control. They can help you get rid of pests for good.
Following are some early warning signs that may indicate a possible infestation in your house.
- Discarded Termite Wings
The existence rate of swarming termites is not very high. Since they cannot fly very well, they often fall short and break their wings. So, if you notice a pile of discarded wings inside any structure or near window sills, it may be a potential sign.
- Termite Swarmers
Typically, swarmers are dark-colored insects with long white wings. Their wings are longer than the body and rounded at the tips. Most swarmers from mature colonies leave their nest once or twice a year, especially during the spring season or fall. If you notice hundreds and thousands of such insects crawling in your home, you must identify them as swarmers.
It is important to understand that this is not an early sign of infestation. Instead, it implies that you have a mature infestation nearby that is at least two to three years old.
- Mud Tubes
Subterranean termites that live underground build mud tubes to act as bridges between their colony and the wood they feed on. These tubs are typically above-ground tunnels. They are made of soil, debris, and wood, and because of that, they may appear like a natural phenomenon. If you notice any kind of mud lines on your foundation walls, you must recognize them immediately.
Mud lines are almost always found in dark and damp areas. So if you wish to locate them, you need to crawl into tight spaces, pull up some furniture items, or even inspect concrete piers carefully.
- Termite Droppings
Termite dropping is another effective way to identify an infestation. After consuming wood, drywood termites often leave their tiny fecal mounds behind that indicate an infestation.
Apart from these, several other warning signs may also indicate a termite infestation:
- Wood that sounds hollow when tapped
- Peeling paint on the walls or ceiling
- Discoloration or warping on drywall
- Loose tiles from the extra moisture added by termites to the floor
- Excessively squeaky floorboards
- Flying termite swarms anywhere on your property
- Wooden doors and windows that are jammed or no longer open and shut smoothly
- Mud tubes found along the exterior walls or foundation
- Maze-like pattern found on the walls or floor
- A strange smell of mould or mildew coming from the furniture items
If you notice any of these symptoms, you must call a professional pest control agency immediately.
