Residential Routine Pest Control Maintenance

Termites: Tips To Help Homeowners Deal With Them

For homeowners, "termites" is one of the worst words that can be spoken. These pests may be tiny in size, but they can do untold damage that costs a lot of money to repair. Unfortunately, it is hard to get away from termites. They can be found across the United States, and if a property is not properly protected against termites, there is a good chance that they will find their way to a home eventually. One of the keys to controlling termites is to identify the problem quickly, and then take the proper measures to have them exterminated by a pest control professional who specializes in termites. Some common signs that you may have termites include the following.

Swarmers

Swarmers is a term used to refer to both male and female termites that are flying towards a new home or eager to make a new colony. If you witness a swarm of small bugs inside your home or on your property, there is a good chance that you have termites. The presence of swarmers doesn't mean that every termit is leaving your home—it just means that there are most likely many damaging your home while others move on.

Visible Mud Tubes

There are a few different types of termites that can present in different ways, but mud tubes are a classic sign of termite activity. If you are a homeowner, take the time to regularly inspect the perimeter of your home, especially around the area adjacent to the foundation. In many cases, termites will construct mud tubes that help them gain access to a home. If you notice mud tubes along the foundation of a home or running up exterior walls, there is a good chance that your home has termites and needs to be treated by a pest control specialist who can eliminate termites from your property.

Subtle Wood Damage

Termites are well known for destroying wood and creating a lot of costly damage. If you have any reasons to suspect termites in your home, start paying attention to the wood in your home. If you have a termite problem that needs to be addressed, you will likely notice hollow spots in your walls, and it is also possible for the paint on the walls to crack, peel, or bubble. Paying attention to the walls in your home will make it easier to have a pest control company perform termite extermination services before permanent damage is done.