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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!