Do You Have A Termite Infestation?
Termites are among the most destructive types of pests, damaging approximately 600,000 homes in the U.S. each year. Part of what makes termites so difficult for property-owners to contend with is that termite infestations can remain out of sight for years before the resulting damages become too great to ignore. Knowing what to look for is paramount in preventing an infestation from taking over your home or business. Here are the most common warning signs of termite infestations, courtesy of Champion Termite & Pest Control.
Signs Of A Termite Infestation
Winged Termites
Swarmers or reproductives are young, winged termites commonly seen during the springtime. They are responsible for starting new colonies within homes and, as such, are usually the first signs of an infestation. Their discarded wings can be identified near window sills, doors, or other places where they can gain entry into the building. Spotting these early on in the infestation could make all the difference when it comes to termite treatment as these discarded wings are usually the only outwardly visible warning signs of a termite infestation.
Mud Tubes
While drywood termites can wreak havoc on your property above ground, Formosan termites — commonly referred to as subterranean termites — are a termite species that can likewise cause significant property damage. As their name suggests, this type of pest prefers to live underground where they feed on buildings’ foundations. The presence of mud tubes, or the distinctive tunnels built by Formosan termites, indicate an active termite infestation. Left untreated, a Formosan termite infestation could lead to serious foundation damage, compromise a building’s structural stability, and even the collapse of the building.
Clicking Sounds
Although minuscule, termites produce audible sounds when distressed. The noise resembles a quiet clicking and is produced when termite workers bang their heads against surfaces in order to signal danger to the rest of the colony. Termites are also loud eaters. If you place your ear close enough to termite-infested wood, you can hear them munching away on the internal structural components and materials of the building.
Hollow & Warped Wood
In areas with a tropical climate, such as in Florida, tight-fitting doors or hard-to-open windows may be caused by hot and humid weather. After all, wood fixtures are naturally susceptible to warping when exposed to high levels of moisture. In certain instances, however, these can also be signs of termite damage. When termites tunnel their way inside wood, not only do they leave the structure weak and hollow but they also leave moisture which further compromises the structural integrity of the wood. So next time you are having trouble opening or closing a door or window, check for more signs of termites or find a pest exterminator right away.
Termite Droppings Or Frass
As with signs that indicate the presence of many other types of pests, a key sign of a termite infestation is the presence of droppings or frass. When performing a termite inspection, this is one of the main things your exterminator will be looking for. Droppings are wood-colored pellets produced by termites as they eat away wood. In the event you find a pile of frass, do not touch them with your bare hands. Instead, call your exterminator.
When To Call A Pest Control Company In Green Cove Springs, FL
Green Cove Springs property owners don’t have to handle pest control problems on their own. Champion Termite & Pest Control can help with termite prevention and protection in both residential and commercial properties. Contact us today for a free pest control estimate and ensure the longevity of your building as well as the safety of its residents.
