Termites can be found worldwide and have been known to cause severe damage to homes and buildings. They are eusocial insects living in colonies and are classified as an order Isoptera, which contains 2,600 species. They are present in every continent except for Antarctica and are known to particularly prefer tropical and subtropical environments. Termites mainly feed on dead plant matter, generally in the form of wood, but they can also damage other materials like paper, books, and insulation.
Termites are one of the most unwanted pests in many households. Not only are they destructive, but they are also hard to eliminate once they have infested your home. That is why it is essential to identify the early warning signs of termites so you can take action before it is too late.
Early warning signs of termite infestation
All pest control companies agree that the earlier you detect termites in your home, the easier and less expensive it will be to get rid of them. But how do you know if you have termites? Here are some early warning signs of termite infestation:
1. Mud tubes on the exterior walls of your house: Termites need moisture to survive, and mud tubes are their way to travel from the ground to your home without being exposed to sunlight and drying out. Termites mix soil with saliva to build mud tubes that are usually about the thickness of a pencil. If you see mud tubes on the exterior walls of your house, it is a good indicator that you have termites.
2. Swarms of winged insects: Swarmers are a group of flying termites that leave their mature colony to mate and start a new one. They are attracted to light, so you might see them around your windows or doors. If you see swarms of winged insects, a termite nest is likely nearby. Since alates or flying termites are sometimes mistaken for ants, you’ll need further inspection to confirm if they are termites.
3. Cracks in paint or wood: As termites eat through wood, they create tunnels and chambers, weakening the wood’s structural integrity. This can cause paint to crack or bubble as well as changes in the grain of the wood.
4. Hollow-sounding wood: Since termites eat the wood from the inside out, tapping on infested wood will often sound hollow. This is because the wood has been hollowed out by the termites eating it. Also, as termites feed the wood, it causes warping and changes in its surface.
5. Evidence of termite droppings: Termite droppings are also known as frass and look like sawdust or coffee grounds. As termites chew the wood, they create a tiny hole and push the frass out of the wood. Depending on the type of wood, frass is light beige to black and measures 0.04 inches long.
6. Discarded wings: As said before, swarmers are a group of flying termites that leave their mature colony to mate and start a new one. Once they have found a mate, they will shed their wings and create a new entrance hole for their future colony. So, if you see piles of wings near doors or window sills, you will likely have termites.
If you see any of these signs in your home, it is essential to call a pest control company as soon as possible. The sooner you take action, the easier and less expensive it will be to eliminate termites.
Preventing termite infestation
Prevention is always better than cure. So, it is important to take measures to prevent termite infestation in your home. Here are some tips on how you can do that:
First, know why termites are attracted to your home. Termites need moisture to survive. So, they are attracted to places with high humidity or dampness. To prevent termites, fixing any leaks in your plumbing is important and ensuring that your gutters are clear of debris.
Make sure that there is no wood-to-ground contact in your home. Termites can travel from the ground to your house through wood in contact with the ground. So, it is important to remove any wood that is touching the ground around your home. This includes firewood, tree stumps, and landscaping timbers.
Store firewood and lumber away from your house. If you have firewood or lumber stored near your house, keeping it at least 20 feet away is important. This will make it more difficult for termites to travel from the woodpile to your house.
Avoid using mulch around your foundation. Mulch is often used in landscaping to help retain moisture in the soil. However, it can also attract termites. If you must use mulch, it is important to keep it at least 12 inches away from your foundation.
Conclusion:
Termites can cause a lot of damage to your home if they are left unchecked. They are attracted to places where there is high humidity or dampness. Early warning signs of termite infestation include swarmers, cracks in paint or wood, hollow-sounding wood, and evidence of termite droppings.
To prevent termites, it is important to be aware of these signs and to take measures to prevent them. This includes fixing leaks, removing wood touching the ground and storing firewood away from your house. If you think you might have termites, it is important to call a pest control company as soon as possible. The sooner you take action, the easier and less expensive it will be to eliminate them.
