Signs Of Termites
You may have unwanted guests and not even know it. Find out how to tell if termites are active in your home or business.
Knowing The Signs Of Termites Could Prevent Serious And Costly Termite Damage
There are a ton of educated guesses floating around about how much termites cost U.S. property owners each and every year. Estimates range from $2 billion to as much as $30 billion. The truth is, no one knows for sure, but the number is really high. That is why it is so important that you recognize the signs of termite infestations when you see them.
Early Stages Of A Termite Infestation
The first sign of a termite infestation will be the appearance of termite swarmers. Swarmers are king and queen termites that are produced by a mature colony for the purpose of creating a new nest. These winged reproductives don't travel far, and their swarms don't last long. If you see winged, ant-like insects crawling on your walls, stop and take a closer look. You may be looking at the beginning of an infestation.
Swarms can come and go quickly. Often, the only sign that a swarm has come to your home will be transparent wings laying around. Termite reproductives lose their wings after they mate, and these wings can be seen on windowsills, decks, patios, walkways, and soil near your home.
Swarmers are attracted to light. If you see a thick cloud of flying insects around a street light or exterior light on your home, you should definitely look for wings in the morning.
If you are fortunate enough to see swarmers, look closely to identify them as termite swarmers. Ant swarmers will have a bend in each of their antennae and termite antennae look like tiny balls stacked on top of each other. Termite swarmers also have wings that stack on top of each other, giving them a round appearance toward the hind end. The wings on ants can look stacked, but you will distinctly see the division between left wings and right wings toward the hind end.
What's the Action Advantage?
Find Out What Makes Us Different!
-
Environmentally-Friendly Products Available
-
After-Hours Answering Service Available
-
70+ Certified Pest Management Professionals
-
Trusted by the Community Since 1946
Ongoing Termite Infestation
If you missed the swarmers and termites found a way to start feasting on your home, you're going to need to start looking for a different kind of sign: signs of termite cohabitation. These will come in the form of wood damage on exterior objects like fences, patios, decks, sheds, and outbuildings. They may also come in the form of interior damage like chewed wallpaper, banisters, furniture, and fixtures.
Check for droppings. If you have drywood termites, you may find hard, pepper-like droppings in piles under kickout holes or scattered on window sills. These droppings can also have a sawdust-like look to them from a distance.
Examine all your exterior basement walls closely. Most species of subterranean termites will live in the soil near your home and build mud tubes along your basement walls. These tubes can be as thin in width as a pencil. You may also find mud tubes on inside walls of crawl spaces, closets, bathrooms, and attics.
Inspect any wood you have near your home. Termites will live in woodpiles, construction material, stumps, logs, and other wood products. They can also be found under mulch. Cut wood open and look inside. Peel mulch up and look under. Most termites will appear pale and worm-like but look closely. These are insects, and they have the same characteristics as insects: two antennae, six legs, and three body parts—though it visually may look as if they only have a head and a body.
-
“I have been using Action Pest Control for 3 years. They are professional, quick and always do a great job getting rid of those pesky ants. Rusty is very professional and goes above and beyond for the customer.”- Megan C.
-
“Action Pest Control has serviced our home in a variety of ways for nearly 14 years. We have been very satisfied with them and contracted for additional services from them because we trust them!”- Joseph E.
-
“I have used Action Pest Control for almost a year now. They have always performed the services when they were supposed to and it has always been affordable. Technicians are also friendly!”- Jarred M.
-
“Everyone I spoke with was so nice and very knowledgeable. I will never stop using them!”- Thomas I.
-
“Very professional and knowledgeable. Have never had problems since they have been coming!”- Donna H.
-
“James was very professional and understanding. Answered all questions, and walked us through what was going to happen with our choice of treatment, I highly recommend getting the warranty!”- Keri W.
-
“The quality of pest control is excellent; personable employees with excellent customer service; reasonably priced. Much better product and service than the big, well-known pest control businesses. Thank you!”- Sandra R.
-
“I have used Action Pest Control for many years now. They are always very professional and easy to work with. Travis was very friendly and helpful during his visit.”- Cassie O.
.2406271041254.jpg)