Termites can prove especially challenging for homeowners. These insects, which feed on wood, often cause extensive and costly damages. Moreover, they are often difficult to detect. Other pests, such as mice, cockroaches, and spiders, typically leave more obvious visible clues suggesting their presence.
That said, termites do leave subtle signs. However, you need to continually be on the lookout for such hints. Furthermore, when these issues are detected, you must promptly find a reliable termite control company in your area.
Signs To Watch Out And Listen For
Exterior Problems
Although it can seem like termites spring out of thin air, this isn’t the case. Termites must come from the outside of your home. If they come from the ground, they will leave obvious signs of their arrival. However, if they fly in, then it could be harder to detect.
Before termites migrate into your home, they might first feed on exterior structures. You should vigilantly search for rotted wood or tiring tree stumps. Such occurrences should warrant consultation with an exterminator.
A surefire method of discovery is to break off a portion of the rotted material. Should you see an accumulation of small white insects scurrying, you likely have a termite infestation on your property.
Termites are known to travel significant distances, sometimes the length of a football field to snuff out food sources. Unfortunately, if the creatures are on your property, there is a good chance they either are already or will soon make their way into your home.
Fouled Soil
You are firmly urged to monitor regions of your property where wood materials and soil meet. The wood portion will look like it has been bitten into. Moreover, the adjacent soil will be rough to the touch.
Shed Wings
As a termite colony matures, community members known scientifically as alates are sent out to begin new colonies. These critters often shed their wings in places, such as windowsills, foundations, and patios.
Alate Sightings
Typically, alates only appear a couple of times per year and for short durations. However, if you see these flying critters, it is almost guaranteed that a mature colony is not far away. Moreover, should you spot alates inside your home, you undoubtedly are dealing with an active infestation.
Strange Noises
Strange noises emanating from your walls could indicate a potential infestation. When threatened, soldier termites emit a dull, clicking sound. Said critters do this to warn fellow community members of perceived danger.
Mud Shelter Tubes
The presence of tube-like structures made of mud visible in shaded locations, like crawl spaces, often indicates a termite presence. The insects build these shelters as a means of protecting themselves from excessive sunlight or other harsh weather phenomena, including wind or rain.
Important Considerations
You might not realize that many insurance companies neglect to cover termite-inflicted property damage. Such entities maintain that termite infestation is a preventable problem.
Moreover, failure to address this problem at its earliest stages could pose significant safety risks for you and your family. Badly compromised wood could precipitate issues, such as unstable walls, floors, ceilings, or staircases.
