Spring is here in New England and this is the start of the termite swarming season too. Termites have started swarming and could seek out your home for their new nesting space. Because the damage from a termite infestation can easily go unnoticed, we want to share the top four signs that may indicate you have a termite infestation in your home.
Experts have estimated that termites cause $5 billion in damage every year. This can be a costly repair bill for homeowners if they don’t spot and stop an infestation in its tracks. Unfortunately, most homeowners don’t recognize the signs of an infestation until it is too late.
While we don’t recommend a homeowner inspect their home on their own, there are a few red flags that you should look out for that could signal the presence of an infestation. With the help from NW Pest Control you can spot the top four signs that a home has 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.
- 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 have any of the above signs of termites on your property, it is best to contact us to inspect your home as soon as possible in order to stop the damage before it gets worse. We recommended that homeowners have a pest inspection done every year to ensure their home is safe from termites.