If you're like most homeowners, you do everything you can to keep your home as pest-free as possible, and you may already know the preventive measures designed to keep termite populations from becoming established in your home. Termites are persistent insects that sometimes manage to gain access to homes against the odds, so it's also important to know what to look for so that you can contact a termite control expert.
Fortunately, termites leave a variety of calling cards — below are five signs that termites may have targeted your home.
Swarmers
Like other insect species such as ants and bees, termites have jobs — and the job of swarmers is to scout out new territory for establishing colonies. Unlike other types of termites, swarmers are equipped with wings to help them quickly and efficiently do this particular job. If you see swarmers in or near your home, it is a sure sign that a termite infestation isn't far away.
Mud Tubes
Mud tubes serve the purpose of protecting termites from predators and potentially hazardous weather conditions as they travel from one location to another. As their names imply, they're typically constructed out of mud, but they can also contain bits of other materials such as wood or vegetation. Mud tubes are gray/brown with uneven textures and are seen on walls, foundations, and other surfaces in or around the home. However, it's important to note that they aren't always visible.
Damaged Wood
Wood that has been damaged by termite activity is a clear sign that an infestation is currently in place. This damage may appear as hollowed-out wood or wood that appears blistered or honeycombed.
Discarded Wings
Discarded wings are another discouraging sign — they mean that the scouts have found green pastures for establishing a new colony. Typically, you'll see these wings discarded near doors and windows.
Unexplained Noise in Walls
A clicking or rustling noise coming from within your walls is a sign of a potential termite infestation. This noise is caused by termites feasting on the wood inside the walls. By the time it gets to the point that you actually hear them, the infestation is likely fairly serious.
Some of these signs may also be caused by other pests, so it is always a good idea to call a professional termite control technician for a thorough inspection and to determine the extent of the infestation before devising a plan to get rid of them.
Reach out to a termite control company to learn more.
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