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Apr 30, 2024 · Water damage has a fairly consistent appearance: cube-shaped cells, yellow or brown staining, and bubbling or peeling paint are some of its hallmarks. The appearance of...
- Overview
- Examining Physical Characteristics
- Observing Signs of an Infestation
- Dealing with an Infestation
Termites can cause major structural damage to homes and other buildings as well as wooden furniture. People usually only see termites inside when an infestation is already well established, though you may also find termites outside around dead tree stumps, rotting boards or other detritus. To identify a termite, examine a single bug carefully. Things like the wings and antennae can help you identify a bug as a termite. You should also look for signs of an infestation, like mud tubes and droppings. If you have a termite infestation, consult a professional for treatment.
There are 3 different types of termites.
Winged termites are dark brown or black and have 4 wings that are all the same size.
Worker termites are white or translucent. They have straight antennae.
Catch an insect if possible.
Termites look similar to ants and need to be inspected closely to differentiate. If possible, trap one of the bugs in question for examination and look at it under a magnifying glass or something similar. You can pick up a termite by gently clasping it between your thumb and forefinger.
Place the termite in something like a mason jar to examine it.
You can still examine a dead termite, but it may be easier to observe a live one. Pick up the bug carefully to avoid killing it.
Look at the wings and antennae.
Termites have distinctly different wings and antennae than ants. One way to tell you're dealing with a termite and not an ant is to carefully examine the bug's wings and antennae.
Look at changes in your home.
Termites can cause damage to your home. In the event of an infestation, you may notice signs of damage. Your wood may sound hollow when you tap or knock against it. You may also notice your floors and ceilings are sagging.
Crumbling wood and chipped paint can also indicate and infestation.
You can often hear an infestation before you see it. Soldier termites sometimes tap their heads inside your walls.
If you hear tapping noises in your home, this may be indicate a termite infestation.
Termite droppings are another sign your home is infested. Droppings look like tiny pellets and may show up near walls or other places termites congregate. If you notice pellets piling up in your home, this is a sign of an infestation.
Select a pest control company carefully.
A termite infestation can cause major damage to your home. It should be treated promptly by a professional. Select a reputable pest control company right away if you suspect you have termites.
Make sure any company you choose is licensed with the Department of Agriculture. A company that's a member of the National Pest Management Association is also a plus.
Contact 2 or 3 companies to get estimates. It can be costly to deal with termites, so make sure you seek out the best deal.
Termites can cause damage, but do so slowly. It's okay to take some time selecting a quality company. If a company uses scare tactics to pressure you into signing a contract quickly, this is probably not a good company.
A pest control company can help you install a termite monitoring system. These systems are made from a piece of wood with a plastic cap and cardboard. Check it every 6 months for signs of termite damage to tell you whether they're in the ground around your home.
May 29, 2023 · Termites like water and are attracted to moist environments and water-damaged wood. By managing water and moisture in and around your home, you can help prevent a termite infestation. Regular inspections for water damage and termite activity can also help catch any potential issues early, saving you time, money, and stress in the long run.
Jan 27, 2023 · There are some obvious signs of termites like crumbled or collapsed wood, but a lot of termite damage happens in places that aren’t easy to observe.
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Mar 20, 2024 · How do I Know if I Have Termites? The first step in prevention is to be on the alert for termites. Termites rarely emerge from soil, mud tubes, or food sources through which they are tunneling. Most people are not aware they have termites until they see a swarm or come across damage during construction.
Jan 20, 2023 · Termites are pests that feed on wood and can damage your home. Learn more about the signs of termites, health risks, what to do if you have them, and more.
Mar 11, 2024 · Yes. Get Free Estimates. From Participating Partners. What Are Termites? If you know one thing about termites, it’s probably that they eat away at wood—which is a serious threat to any homeowner....
