NW Pest Control and the National Pest Management Association are working to spread public awareness about termites during Termite Awareness Week, March 8-14, 2020. With spring on the horizon, termites will begin swarming and could seek out your home for their new nesting space. A termite infestation can cause damage that is unnoticeable, so NW Pest would like to help educate homeowners on the top four signs that signal their home is infested.
Experts with the NPMA estimate that termites cause $5 billion in damage every year. This could mean a costly repair bill for homeowners if they don’t spot and stop an infestation quickly. Unfortunately, most homeowners don’t recognize the signs of an infestation until it is too late.
While we don’t recommend you inspect your home on their own, there are a few red flags that they should look out for that could signal the presence of an infestation. Here are four signs that a home has termites:
- Swarmer or Discarded Wings: Swarmers are young female and male winged termites. In the spring and after the last freeze, termite swarmers will emerge from their nest to mate and search for a new location to start a colony, which typically includes nearby homes. Termite swarmers, or their discarded wings near windowsills and doors, are often the first (and only visible) sign of a termite problem.
- Mud Tubes: Subterranean termites, the most destructive termite, build mud tubes to provide moisture while they travel between their colony and food source. Mud tubes are most often found near the home’s foundation and look like encrusted, dry dirt similar to the size of a drinking straw.
- Wood Damage: Termites tend to eat wood from the inside out, so wood that sounds hollow when tapped often signifies a termite infestation. Additionally, homeowners should also look for blistering pieces of wood.
- Uneven or Bubbling Paint: Uneven or bubbling paint is often a sign of moisture build-up, which could mean one of two things – water damage or termites.
If you suspect you have a termite infestation, contact NW Pest Control for a full home pest inspection. For more information on termites, visit our website at www.nwpestcontrol.com