Spring is almost here—the days are getting longer, colorful flowers are beginning to bloom and, unfortunately, termites are about to seek out new nesting spaces. While news about these pests is certainly not exciting to think about as we come out of the winter cold, it’s important to stay vigilant in order to ward off trouble. Here are some ways to spot a termite infestation in your home or business before it becomes a major problem.
Top Four Signs of a Termite Infestation
Did you know that termites cause more property damage each year than fires? In fact, according to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), termites cause an estimated $5 billion in damage every single year. They accomplish such destruction because they consume dead wood—a great environmental service when it comes to fallen trees in the wild, but not so great when they eat the wood in our homes and cause structural damage. Keep a watchful eye for these four signs of a possible infestation.
1) Swarms and Discarded Wings
After the last freeze occurs in the spring, young female and male winged termites—also known as swarmers or reproductives—come out of their nests to mate and find a new place to colonize. Female termites release pheromones to attract males, and once they pair up, they break off their wings and search for a suitable nesting site. The presence of these swarms, or even their discarded wings near windowsills and doors, is a definite sign of an infestation.
2) Mud Tubes
Subterranean termites build mud tubes to provide the moisture termites so desperately need when they move between their colony and food source. Comparable in size to a drinking straw, these mud tubes are often found near a home’s foundation and look like crusty, dry dirt.
3) Wood Damage
If you tap on wood in your home or business and it sounds hollow, that may be a sign that termites are snacking on your property, as these creatures eat wood from the inside out, leaving only a thin layer to protect them from the elements. You should also take note of any blistering pieces of wood, as this can be a sign of termites as well.
4) Paint Issues
If you see uneven or bubbling paint in your home or business, it’s likely due to a build-up of moisture—which could be a sign of water damage or a termite infestation.
Braman Can Help
If you’ve noticed any of these signs of a termite infestation in your home or business, we can help you identify the issue and protect you year-round with the Sentricon termite baiting system. But you don’t have to wait until termites make your house a home—we offer a MultiPest Plan in which we maintain ongoing pest control services at your home. Contact us to learn more today.