Termites are a major concern for homeowners due to the extensive damage they can cause. They are wood-destroying insects that work from the inside out, making it difficult to detect their presence until substantial harm has already occurred. Each year, these insects are responsible for thousands of dollars in structural damage.
The region is native to subterranean termites, one of the three primary types of termites – the others being drywood termites and dampwood termites. Drywood termites can occasionally be found in this region, having traveled via wood shipping containers or furniture. Each type of termite can cause distinct types of damage and leaves behind different signs of their presence.
Characteristics of Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites, typically around ⅛ of an inch long and varying in color from creamy white to dark brown, form colonies that consist of thousands of termites. This sizeable population enables them to do significant damage in a short period of time.
They are also known for creating mud tubes, which act as bridges between their colony and the wood they consume. These tubes protect the colony from predators and conserve moisture, and they can be found in various places around your home, including exterior cellar walls, crawl spaces under your home, and interior walls.
Common and Subtle Signs of Termite Infestations
Beyond the common signs of termite infestations, such as mud tubes, it’s crucial to be aware of more subtle indicators. These include:
- Discolored or drooping drywall
- Peeling paint that mimics water damage
- Wood that sounds hollow when tapped
- Small pinpoint holes in your drywall
- Buckling wooden or laminate floorboards
- Excessively squeaky floorboards
- Loose floor tiles due to added moisture
- Stuck windows or doors
- Maze-like patterns in furniture, floor boards, or walls
Evidence of Drywood Termite Infestations
If you notice piles of frass (termite droppings) or small piles of discarded wings, these could be indicators of a drywood termite infestation.
Termite Swarmers: An Important Sign of Active Infestation
Termite swarmers are another sign of an active termite infestation. These swarmers leave their mature nests to start new ones, typically during the spring or fall, depending on the species and weather conditions. Following their flight, they shed their wings, which can often be found in spider webs and on surfaces around your home’s foundation, like window sills.
Protecting Your Home from Termites
DIY termite control is nearly an impossible task. First, you need to locate the nest. A termite colony can build the nest as far as 300 feet from your home. Even if you do locate the nest, know that any DIY product will not reach far enough into the ground to have any effect on the termites.
The chemicals in these products can also be damaging to the people and pets in your home as well as the plants in and around your property.
The best way to prevent a termite infestation is to get a professional termite protection plan in place. We offer industry-leading termite protection services that are safe to use around people and pets, so you can rest assured that your home will be protected from these wood-eating pests.
Don’t wait until you see signs of termites. Contact our pest control experts to take action now and prevent an infestation from creating significant damage to your home.
Call 215.799.2010 or schedule an appointment.