With spring on the here, termites will be swarming and could seek out your home for their new nesting space. Because the damage from a termite infestation can easily go unnoticed for a very long period of time, NW Pest Control would like to offer help and educate homeowners on the top signs that signal their home is infested.
It is estimated that termites cause $5 billion in damage every year. This means a costly repair bill for homeowners if they don’t spot and stop an infestation before it gets out of control. It’s unfortunate that most homeowners don’t recognize the signs of an infestation until it is too late.
While a termite infestation needs professional help, there are several signs that homeowners can look for to inspect there home. Look for the tell tale signs of a termite infestation. If you notice even one, there is a good chance you have termites on your property. With the help of an NW Pest Control professional, we can get the infestation controlled before significant damage can occur.
- 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.
- Swarmer or Discarded Wings: Swarmers, also known as reproductives, are young female and male winged termites. In the springtime, 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 our 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 species, 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.
If you feel you may have a termite infestation, it’s would be best to contact NW Pest Control to have a full home inspection by a a licensed pest control expert as soon as possible to stop the damage before it gets worse. It is recommended that homeowners have an inspection done every year to ensure their home is safe each season from termites.