Termites are known for being silent destroyers of wood. They can easily hide inside the wood that they are eating, and avoid detection for long periods of time. That is why it is so important to either prevent termites in the first place or know the signs to find them quickly so that you can get professional help right away. You can avoid further damage and complications by being vigilant in looking for termites and their warning signs in your home on a regular basis.
When you are looking for termites, you should carry a flashlight to be able to see in the dark recesses of your home. Be looking for mud tubes that look a little like lines of dirt the size of a pencil. Be aware that these mud tubes can go through cracks in foundations, around patios, and under stucco. They create these dusty mud tubes all over the place so that they can connect to all of their underground nests and colonies and directly into your home without being seen. You may see actual termites crawling around, but it is highly unlikely. Swarmers, however, will come after it rains and during warmer weather. They are the winged termites that will appear for a very short time and then leave rather quickly. If you see any swarmers nearby or fluttering around lighting outside your home, then there is probably a colony somewhere close by. Damages to your home will look like buckled wood, wood with holes in it, or wood that appears crushed. If you tap on any wood that sounds hollow, it has probably been eaten from the inside out already. You should be aware of any tunneling in the wood that runs with the grain as well. You may also see something that looks like sawdust just outside exit holes in the wood, which will be termite fecal matter after they have eaten the wood.
Here are the top 5 places to look for termites and termite damages:
- Outside on concrete walls, painted wood trim, siding, and wood piles
- Storage areas like basements, garages, attics, and crawl spaces
- Around leaky pipes and moist areas in kitchens and bathrooms
- The tops of walls, corners of rooms, flooring, closets, and window and door frames
- Support beams inside your home
If you want to prevent termites and termite damage, or you have found some signs of a termite infestation, contact Adams Exterminating Company right away. We have been getting rid of termites for over 60 years. We have developed a termite control plan that utilizes advanced tools and techniques to assure the complete removal of termite threats on your property. Give us a call today to learn more.