Are you wondering if you have a termite infestation? Not sure how to really tell? There are some signs to look for when trying to determine if you have a problem or not.
Keep reading for some telltale signs of termite infestation.
1. Flying Termites
One of the first signs that you have a termite problem is the presence of flying termites around your home. These males and females have left their colony and are looking to establish a new home, in your home.
There are different types that will either swarm at night around your lights or during the daytime. When there are periods of heavy rain then all the different types of dry wood termites will swarm.
If you don’t see the pests swarming you might still see evidence that they are around. When they have found a mate they will lose their wings and then crawl together into the site they have found to start their new colony. They will then seal themselves in and slowly start taking over and grow their colony.
2. Ants vs. Termites
It might be difficult to tell the difference between ants and termites. White ants, or carpenter ants as they are also known, like to live in deadwood, tree roots, logs, stumps, and even your home. Unlike termites, they don’t like to feed on the wood that they are inhabiting so they tend to leave behind a wood residue known as frass.
Carpenter ants look similar to termites because they have a milky, white body color, and have wings. One main difference between the two is the waist of the termite is larger than ants. The ant’s waist will become narrow where their thorax meets the abdomen.
When learning the difference between the two, the main thing to keep in mind is that white ants don’t actually exist. If you see what you think is an ant that is white, then it is most likely a termite.
3. Hollow Sounding Wood
Another sign that you have termite infested wood is the sound of a hollow area on the wood. If you tap or knock on the area you believe has the pests you will hear a hollowness or papery sound.
This happens because the timbers have either been fully or partially eaten by the termites within. This leaves just the exterior portion of the wall exposed. Often times you won’t realize you have an issue until you accidentally poke a hole into the wall exposing the trouble within.
Learn More About Identifying a Termite Infestation Today!
These are a few ways to tell if you have a termite infestation at your home. Keep an eye out for swarms of pests that look milky white or translucent, with a thick body around the waist. If you have a wall in your home that sounds hollow when you knock on it or is soft enough to poke a hole through it, that is another sign of termites.
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