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It is a nightmare to have a termite infestation in your home. It is not only unsightly, but it can lead to extensive and expensive property damage. When termites compromise the structural foundation of your home, it can even put the safety of your whole family at risk.
Many believe that temperate climates do not need to worry about termites because the cold weather is a deterrent. However, even in places like Utah, you must deal with termite swarms the moment spring blooms, and the weather turns pleasant. This problem also goes in full force over the hot and dry summer season.
And since termites are good at staying hidden, they can persist even in cold weather. The worst part is you may not even be aware you have a full-fledged infestation until it is too late. It would help to know warning signs ahead so you can immediately call for pest control and prevent an escalation. Look at these top 10 warning signs that show you have termites.
Termite swarms are common in your garden. Unfortunately, some often mistake these flying bugs for normal insects. That’s one fatal mistake because an NC State study says termite swarm means the original colony has reached capacity, so they are ready for expansion.
If you spot a termite swarm in your yard, it is time to call in the pros to kill them before they invade your home. These swarms signify that winged adults are ready to fly away from the original nest. Hence, you must prevent them from establishing new colonies in your home.
If you see discarded wings in your yard, driveway, patio, or windowsills, this is a huge red flag. When the swarms age, the first thing they let go of is their wings. They no longer need them as they are ready to thrive in the new colony.
Hence, spotting scattered wings in your property is a sign that you have got termites around. If you see them, call a pest removal team right away. Do not delay so you can fix the problem ahead before they start decimating the wooden parts of your home.
When you see frass that looks like tiny pellets, this is huge evidence of termite infestation. Frass is termite droppings. Remember, when they feast on the wood in your home, they make tunnels as they go along. Consequently, eating equates to defecation, so they leave droppings as they go.
This frass usually falls out from the holes they create, so you can see them compile into mounds. They look like a powdery substance or brownish marks. They are tiny, measuring one millimeter. You may sometimes mistake them for wood shavings or even sawdust.
Termites that live below the soil make mud tubes. A study from Mississippi State University says these mud tubes are like small tunnels in the soil which allow termites to move freely. In addition, these narrow pathways retain moisture, which assures termites do not dehydrate and dry out. You can usually see these tubes around your yard leading to your home’s foundation.
Usually, termites eat the wood from the inside out. There are usually entryways that allow them to access the interior cavity. If you tap on the wood, you will notice that it is no longer solid but hollow inside.
This is one of the primary signs of termite damage. Hence, you should keep an eye out for blistering wood. Likewise, those that look like they are ready to erupt indicates a major sign of infestation.
Once the termites eat the interiors, they work on the exteriors. Eventually, the destruction will manifest externally. Thus, any wood that appears damaged proves that termites exist on your property.
Notably, any exposed or bare wood is a temptation for termites. They love them, especially rotted wood. They love them, especially rotted wood outside your home. The subterranean variant is especially attracted to moisture-damaged wood as it deters dehydration and helps them survive while they nest.
Hence, if you have a lot of exposed wood over your home, you need to constantly check for infestation. If you see that the wood constantly changes, this is a major sign that you need to call in the pros.
An obvious clue is seeing the actual bugs inside your home. They can be in cracks within your walls, or they could be munching on your baseboards. When you spot them inside, call for immediate inspection and removal because it shows that you have a terrible infestation.
If your paint suddenly appears weird because of an uneven surface or bubbling, this is a sign that moisture has built up. It could either mean you have a water leak that has resulted in this damage, or it could also be termite infestation, so a pest control inspection is necessary.
When you see wood shavings or tiny holes in nearby trees around your house, that is a sign you have termites nearby. You can verify by getting a shovel and digging a bit of soil to inspect the area around the roots. From there, you can see if termites have a nesting ground near your house.
Do not readily dismiss an outdoor infestation because it is not within your house. Notably, nearby trees harboring termite nests prove dangerous. Once they damage the tree, it can fall into your home and garden. Besides, having them near you means they can readily make their way inside.
Termite soldiers make clicking noises from within walls, baseboard, ceilings, and floors. They do it when they shake their bodies or band their heads in the interior walls. On top of that, they sometimes make noise when they feed.
If you hear weird noises in your home, do not chalk it up to your imagination. Instead, call for an inspection right away. Our team at Nature’s Gate Pest Control is ready to help eradicate a termite colony. Call us right away for suitable treatments that are harsh on pests but will not harm your family.
