Termites can do a lot of damage in a small amount of time. That’s why it’s so important to know the signs of termites so you can catch them before it’s too late. Recognizing the signs of termites will ensure your property isn’t compromised.
So, how do you know termites have taken up residence in your property? Here are some telltale signs of a termite infestation to keep an eye out for.
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Hollow Timber
When termites move in, they will feast on timber. However, you may not notice until it’s too late. Termites tend to eat from the inside out, leaving a thin layer of timber visible.
One of the ways you can test if you have termites present is to check the sound of the timber. If it sounds hollow, termites may have eaten what’s behind the initial layer of timber. This means that a thin layer of timber is all that’s maintaining the structure.
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Stiff Windows and Doors
When moisture stiffens windows and doors, it’s easy to automatically blame it on hot or damp weather. For the most part, the weather is indeed the culprit for this happening. However, it can also occur when you have termites on the property.
When termites tunnel through doors and windows, it can cause moisture to build up and create warped wood. This makes it difficult to open windows and doors without a struggle.
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Unusual Noises
Termites may be small but it’s certainly possible to hear them. You can identify them by their quiet clicking noises or munching noises. As you get closer to the wall, you may also hear soldier termites bang their heads against the wall or shake their bodies. They do this to warn the rest of the colony that danger is approaching.
If you hear these sounds and suspect you have termites, you may need the help of professional pest control to confirm the presence of termites and get rid of them.
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Presence of Swarmers
The presence of swarmer termites is often one of the first clues to having an infestation on your property. You may not notice these swarmers during the day. In fact, they often move around most during the night which can mean that they’re difficult to spot.
They are attracted to lights, so they may gather around light crevices. Their main aim is to find a mate and build a colony. If they’re successful, you could have a budding colony in your walls.
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Shed Wings
Like many other pests, termites shed their wings. When the swarmers find a mate, they discard their wings. You may notice discarded wings along your floorboards or in other places on your property.
These wings are often translucent or colorless but they can also range from grey to brown. They are between six and nine millimeters in length. If you spot these wings, call pest control as soon as possible.
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Wood Tunnels
Termites use wood tunnels to get around from place to place but they also feast on the wood to help them develop and grow. You may not notice these tunnels at first because termites tend to stay safely behind the walls.
However, if a piece of timber breaks away and you notice tunnels from that, you can be fairly sure you have a colony of termites on your property.
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Mud Tubes
Termites are very clever at gaining access to properties. They use mud tubes to get from the floor and climb up the walls. This allows them to shelter themselves as they make the journey.
Mud tubes are often wet and light brown when fresh and dry and dark brown when old. They aren’t always visible when they’re in cracks or run behind walls. However, keep an eye out for them on concrete paths or exposed surfaces.
If you do notice these mud tubes, it’s important to act quickly. Termites may have made their way into your property but you may still be able to catch them before they start breeding.
How to Get Rid of Termites
If your termite problem is small, you can attempt to get rid of them yourself. You can do this with a variety of termite-killing products, like powders and sprays. You can even set up termite baits to ensure they’re more likely to ingest the poisons left for them.
The problem with doing this is it’s difficult to determine the magnitude of the problem. If you leave just a few termites behind, you could potentially be back to square one in a few weeks.
Hiring a professional pest control service will mean you have a trained eye to detect every possible place termites could hide in your property. Using a pest control service will mean you don’t have to worry about missing any potential spots and leaving termites alive to breed.
Termite Infestation: Safe over Sorry
When it comes to tackling a termite infestation, it’s better to be safe rather than sorry. The last thing you want to have to deal with is a reoccurring problem. So, deciding to use termite control is the best one you’ll ever make.
No one needs the added stress of realizing there’s a termite infestation in their property- life is complicated enough. If you need more tips on creating a healthy home environment, take a look at our great health and fitness articles today.
