How to Identify Termite Holes in Wood

Termite holes in Bristol TN - Leo's Pest Control

If you’ve ever discovered tiny round holes in wood and wondered what could’ve caused them, you may have encountered termite exit holes! When certain termite species swarm in the spring and summer, they leave their nests and, in doing so, tunnel through wood. The kick-out holes they leave behind are soon thereafter plugged by remaining termites, which is a characteristic that helps set apart termite holes from those left by other wood-destroying insects. While it’s hard to know for sure what type of insect left behind exit holes in wood without the help of an exterminator, there are a few ways you can learn how to identify termite holes.

Do Subterranean Termites Create Exit Holes?

No, only drywood termites leave behind termite holes. Although subterranean termites swarm just like other termites in the spring and summer, they leave their nests in a very different manner. True to their name, subterranean termites build nests underground and travel through mud tubes. These mud tubes also serve the purpose of being their exit from the nest. Seeing holes on a wooden structure, then, is typically indicative of drywood termite activity. This is because drywood termites typically infest wood above ground that is drier. In order to vacate the nest, they must bore through the wood.

Wood Holes from Wood-Destroying Insects

There are many types of wood-destroying insects that are capable of creating tiny, round holes in wood. Needless to say, this makes it difficult to know whether you’re dealing with termites of some other insect. The most common wood-destroying insects include carpenter bees, carpenter ants, powderpost beetles, and bark beetles, among others. All of these insects have unique behaviors and different wood preferences, making it difficult to know which wood-boring insect you’re dealing with. For this reason, it’s best to contact your local pest control experts for help identifying any suspected exit holes. We also have additional articles about termite damage in our termite learning center.

What Does a Termite Kick-Out Hole Look Like?

There are several unique characteristics of exit holes that help differentiate them from holes left by other insects. These include:

  • Termite kick-out holes are round and no bigger than ⅛ of an inch.
  • After the swarmer termites leave the nest, the termite nymphs within the nest will use a paste made out of frass to plug the holes.
  • It is rare to see uncovered termite holes, as the nymphs work quickly after the swarmers depart.
  • The kicked-out wood looks like tiny mustard seeds and can appear in a pile.

Identifying Termite Holes in Tennessee

It can be distressing to discover tiny, round holes in any wood structure within or outside your property. In order to identify or rule out termite activity, it’s crucial to enlist the help of a professional pest control expert. Contact the termite exterminators at Leo’s Pest Control today to learn how we can help!

5 Signs You May Have a Termite Infestation

Damaged wood is a top sign of termites in Bristol TN - Leo's Pest Control

Termites are one of the most dangerous pest problems, mainly due to the fact that they can cause a lot of damage on your property. Unfortunately, termites are difficult to detect until they’ve caused damage. To avoid a full-blown infestation, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the top signs you may have a termite problem. By discovering termites in the early stages, you can get help from a professional termite exterminator such as those with Leo’s Pest Control. Our team of termite experts is here to provide you with all you need to know about the signs of termites here in Bristol.

Most Common Signs of Termite Problems

Termites are pests that are rarely seen by homeowners. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t leave behind evidence of their activity. Here’s what to look for:

  1. Termite swarms
    • Every year, reproductive termites (also known as alates and swarmers) will leave their colony to mate and form new ones.
    • Swarmer termites are frequently mistaken for other flying insects, especially carpenter ants.
    • Seeing winged termites in the spring or summer months is a common sign of termites spreading.
  2. Piles of wings from swarmers
    • After they swarm, the reproductive termites no longer need their wings and will shed them.
    • Termite wings are all the same size and translucent in color.
    • After being shed, they can often appear in a pile together.
  3. Termite frass
    • As they tunnel through dry wood as well as when they swarm, drywood termites create kick-out holes in the wood.
    • This is when their droppings, also known as frass, can be found.
    • Termite frass most closely resembles sawdust or coffee grounds, and can appear in groups.
  4. Mud tubes
    • Subterranean termites nest underground but use mud tubes to travel.
    • These pencil-sized tubes protect the termites from outdoor elements.
    • Seeing mud tubes along the outside of your property is likely the number one sign of termites.
  5. Damage from termites
    • Seeing damage caused by termites is indicative of a serious infestation.
    • Damage most frequently appears in wood around the home. Common damage includes unexplained cracks on walls, beams, and rafters.
    • Termites can cause sagging wood in your floors, as well as hollow-sounding wood.
    • Sometimes wood damage can lead to weakened baseboards and floorboards.

Signs It’s Time to Call a Termite Control Company

If you think you’ve spotted any of the aforementioned signs of termites in or near your property, it’s best to call in your local termite exterminators. A thorough inspection from a trained technician can locate any termite problems in or around your home. To learn more about signs you may have a termite infestation, contact the experts at Leo’s today!