What Does A Termite Infestation Look Like?

Termite Infestations

Termite infestations are a serious problem that can cause significant damage to homes and other structures. Termites are small, wood-eating insects that live in large colonies and can cause extensive damage to wooden structures, including floors, walls, and even furniture.

Termite infestations typically occur when there is a large amount of moisture in the area, making it easier for termites to thrive. They are attracted to wood and other cellulose-based materials, making homes and other structures prime targets. They also tend to be more common in areas with warm climates and high humidity, which is why they are a common problem in many parts of the world, especially in the southern United States.

One of the most common signs of a termite infestation is the presence of small, winged insects called swarmers. These insects are typically seen near windows and doors, and they are a sign that a termite colony is nearby. Other signs of a termite infestation include the presence of mud tubes along the foundation of the home, damaged or hollow-sounding wood, and piles of termite droppings, which look like small piles of sawdust.

Prevention is key when it comes to termite infestations. One of the most effective ways to prevent termites from infesting your home is to keep the area around your home dry and free of moisture. This can be done by fixing any leaks in your plumbing or roofing, as well as ensuring that the gutters and downspouts are directing water away from the home's foundation. Additionally, it's important to eliminate any sources of wood or cellulose-based materials near the home, such as old stumps or firewood piles.

If you suspect that your home has a termite infestation, contact us immediately. Our team of professionals will perform a thorough inspection of your home to determine the extent of the infestation and develop a treatment plan. There are several treatment options available, including liquid termiticides, baits, and fumigation. The best treatment for your home will depend on the severity of the infestation and other factors, such as the type of termites and the location of the colony.

Termite Signs

There are several types of evidence of termites that homeowners should be aware of. It's important to be able to identify the evidence of termites in order to prevent and treat infestations. If you suspect that your home has a termite infestation, contact us as soon as possible. We will perform a thorough inspection of your home and develop a treatment plan to eliminate the infestation and prevent further damage. Below are the signs of a termite infestation:

Termite Swarmers

One of the most common signs of a termite infestation is the presence of swarmers. These winged termites are responsible for creating new colonies, and their presence can indicate that there is an active termite colony nearby.

Swarmers are the reproductive members of a termite colony, and they are typically produced once a year in the spring or early summer. When the conditions are right, the colony will produce thousands of winged swarmers that will emerge from the colony and take flight. Their primary purpose is to mate and establish new colonies, which is why their presence can be a sign of an active termite infestation.

When swarmers emerge from a colony, it is often a sign that the colony is mature and has been established for some time. This means that there could be significant damage to the wooden structures in the area, as termites have likely been feeding on them for an extended period of time. Additionally, the presence of swarmers can indicate that there are multiple colonies in the area, as termites often form satellite colonies in addition to the main colony.

If you notice swarmers in or around your home, contact us as soon as possible. They can perform a thorough inspection of your property to determine the extent of the infestation and develop a treatment plan to eliminate the termites and prevent further damage. In some cases, it may be necessary to treat multiple colonies in the area to fully eliminate the infestation.

Termite Mud Tubes

Termites are known for causing extensive damage to homes and other wooden structures, and one of the most common signs of a termite infestation is the presence of mud tubes. These tubes are created by termites as a means of traveling between their colony and a food source, and their presence can indicate an active termite infestation.

Mud tubes are typically made of soil, wood particles, and termite saliva, and they are often found along the foundation of homes and other structures. They can be identified by their cylindrical shape and the fact that they are often raised above the surface of the ground. In some cases, mud tubes may be visible on the interior walls of a home as well.

The presence of mud tubes indicates that termites are actively feeding on the wooden structures of a home or other building. Termites eat wood from the inside out, so it can be difficult to detect their presence until significant damage has already been done. However, the presence of mud tubes can serve as a clear sign that there is an active infestation and that immediate action is required.

If you notice mud tubes in or around your home, contact us as soon as possible. We will perform a thorough inspection of your property to determine the extent of the infestation and develop a treatment plan to eliminate the termites and prevent further damage. In some cases, it may be necessary to treat multiple areas of the structure to fully eliminate the infestation.

Not all termite infestations will produce mud tubes. Some types of termites, such as drywood termites, do not require soil for their nests and may not create mud tubes. However, other signs of infestation, such as wood damage or the presence of swarmers, may still be present.

Termite Damage

Termites are notorious for causing extensive damage to homes and other wooden structures, and one of the most common signs of a termite infestation is the presence of termite damage. Termites feed on wood from the inside out, which means that the damage they cause can often go unnoticed until it becomes severe.

Termite damage can take many forms, including visible damage to wooden structures such as beams, walls, and floors. The damage may appear as cracked or bubbling paint, hollowed-out or weakened wood, or even tunnels within the wood. In some cases, termite damage may also result in sagging or warped floors, which can be a sign that the damage is severe and has been occurring for some time.

The extent of termite damage can vary depending on the species of termite, the size of the colony, and the duration of the infestation. However, any sign of termite damage is a clear indication that there is an active infestation and that immediate action is required.

Termite damage can often be mistaken for other types of damage, such as water damage or rot. However, there are a few key signs that can help you identify termite damage specifically. For example, termite damage is often accompanied by the presence of mud tubes, termite droppings, or swarmers.

If you suspect that your home or other wooden structures have been damaged by termites, contact us as soon as possible. We will perform a thorough inspection of your property to determine the extent of the infestation and develop a treatment plan to eliminate the termites and prevent further damage.

In some cases, the damage caused by termites may be extensive and require significant repairs. However, by taking prompt action and addressing the infestation early, you can minimize the damage and protect your home from further harm.

Termite Droppings

Another common sign of a termite infestation is the presence of termite droppings. These droppings, also known as frass, can indicate an active infestation and should be taken seriously.

Termite droppings are typically small, oval-shaped pellets that can vary in color depending on the species of termite. They are often found in piles near or around the areas where termites are feeding. In some cases, the droppings may be visible on floors, walls, or other surfaces.

The presence of termite droppings indicates that termites are actively feeding on the wooden structures of a home or other building. As termites eat wood, they produce droppings that are then pushed out of the tunnels they have created. This process results in the accumulation of frass in and around the infested areas.

If you notice termite droppings in or around your home, contact us as soon as possible. We will perform a thorough inspection of your property to determine the extent of the infestation and develop a treatment plan to eliminate the termites and prevent further damage.

In addition to being a sign of an active termite infestation, termite droppings can also pose a health risk to humans and pets. The pellets can contain allergens and other harmful substances, which can cause respiratory issues or other health problems if they are inhaled or ingested.

The presence of termite droppings is a clear indication that there is an active termite infestation and that immediate action is required. Contact us to address the problem and protect your home from further damage.

Termite Wings

Termite wings are a common sign of a termite infestation and can be found around windowsills, doorways, and other areas of a home. These wings are often shed by swarmers, or winged termites, as they search for a new location to establish a colony.

When a termite colony becomes overcrowded or the weather conditions are right, winged reproductive termites will leave the colony in search of a new location to establish a nest. These swarmers are attracted to light and can often be seen flying around outdoor lights or lighted windows.

Once the swarmers find a suitable location, they will shed their wings and mate, after which the female will begin laying eggs to establish a new colony. The wings are left behind as evidence of the swarmers' presence.

If you find termite wings around your home, it's important to take action to prevent a termite infestation from taking hold. The presence of winged termites indicates that there is an established colony nearby, and it's only a matter of time before the termites begin to cause damage to your home's wooden structures. Contact us to learn more about our professional termite control options, including termite inspections and termite treatments.