Signs Of Termites
A Quick Guide to the Signs of Termites
It is important to learn what the signs of termites are because termite infestation is a common problem. These insects can infest a home and destroy the house’s structure before you even realize that you might have a termite problem. For this reason it is important that you rid your home of termites at the first sign that they are in residence.
Termites do have an important natural role in the scheme of things but they are an ugly bug that can do a lot of damage to your home and other wooden structures. One of the main roles that these insects play is that they help to recycle rotted wood into the environment.
When looking for signs of termites in your house you have to know that there are a couple of different types of termites. One type is known as dry wood termites, and then there is the subterranean type. The subterranean type of termite is prevalent all of the US; you will most notice these insects during the spring and fall when they are swarming. These termites look a lot like flying ants, and can be found in hard to reach places, especially under cement. This species of termite prefer moist areas where they create their own safe environment with mud tunnels that lead to wood so they can eat.
The two main signs of termites for this species will be the flying swarms and the mud tunnels; the best places to look for these mud tunnels are in crawl spaces and basements, under porches and decks. Look for signs of termites anywhere where it moist.
The dry wood termites are seen in dry desert regions such as Southern California. This is a larger species of termite and they can be found in the wooden structure of houses, barns, dead trees, etc. The dry wood termite has a red colored head, darker body and grayish wings.
Signs of termites of this type will leave little rounded piles of grainy like wood around places like windowsills, doors, and anywhere there is woodwork. This is the insect fecal matter containing wood they have been eating. You may also see the insects wings after they have shed them, and during the season when they are flying you may see them around ground areas where there are fallen dead trees, and around windowsills. The termites are getting ready to feast on the wood in your home, if they have not already been doing this.
If you detect signs of termites of either species, you will want to contact a professional exterminator to check for termite damage. Although there are some, do it yourself treatments, getting rid of termites should be done by a professional that knows how to best get rid of these bugs, if you let them continue eating the wood in your home you will end up with some serious damage. If you do try and exterminate the termites on your own, make sure you follow instructions for safety, plus do a follow up
In some regions of the United States it is almost a necessity to have regular treatments for termites by pest control experts, such as in the southern regions, as well as the dry southwestern regions. If you see any signs of termites you can be sure that there are many more termites than what you are seeing, and there may even be a great deal of damage.
Although termites are a problem, they can be controlled but it is necessary to be vigilant and catch them before they can damage your property.