Signs of Termites
Although termites are an important part of nature, they are well known for causing major damage to homes and trees. Homeowners that are not aware of the signs of termites are at risk of actually losing their entire home to termite damage. Luckily, with some background knowledge, most people can learn what to look for to ensure their property is protected.
First off, there are two types of termites. The most common is the flying type which is found in much of the United States. This type is known to have wings and will often be found inside homes and near moisture. The other type is most common to southern California and only infects dry wood.
One of the most common and obvious termite signs is wood damage. However, this can often to be hard to find as most of the wood inside a house is behind walls or underneath flooring. You may have to do some investigative work on your own by creating a hole in a wall to see inside. A good place to start looking is a basement or crawl space. If you notice thinning of drywood or hollow spots these could be warning signs that termites have infested the area.
Another alternative is to inspect for wood shavings or termite droppings on the floor along your baseboards, as often this will indicate the presence of termites.
Another sign of termites is often called "mud tubes" which are actually thin tubes or trails of dirt or mud which can be visible in cracks or in the soil. Termites create these tubes or tunnels so they can travel safely from place to place and have enough moisture to stay there. If you notice these tubes of dirt or mud you should definitely think about looking inside a wall.
Of course, seeing live termites is a sure sign that you have an infestation. Termites look like microscopic light colored ants. They are very small and white in color. The flying termites will often have wings attached to their body.
Lastly, you can help take extra precautions by taking a look outside of your house in areas very near to the foundation. If you have areas of trees that are hollowed out or thinning, this could be a sign of termites. As well, if you see mud holes in the soil or garden area you may want to begin looking inside your home for other signs.
Do You Have Termites?
More Help
If you see the following signs in your house, you might have termites: sawdust-like droppings; dirt or mud-like tubes or trails on the structure;. damaged wood members (like window sills); and swarming winged insects.
If you can get into the roof-space to check it, do so. Pungent smells and droppings will be evidence of vermin and other pests. You might also pick up evidence of rotten timber that may be an indication of termites or borer.
The Seven Basics About Termites
When termite tunnels become cluttered with frass (droppings), termites make small holes in the surface of the wood so that the frass particles can drop out.
Termite Damage – What Exactly To Look For
Also discarded wings, bubbling or cracked paint of termite droppings are signs of infestation. Once you are certain what you are searching for, it is easy to find out if your house has been damaged due to termites or not.
How to Identify Termite Droppings
Finding termite droppings in your home can be devastating. Termites are very small, making them difficult to detect.
How to kill termites yourself with bait sticks and sprays. The bait sticks in question that you see him using (these have become the default favorite method of eliminating termites in North America) are these: Spectrum Terminate.
Want to know how to get rid of termites? Discover methods for prevention, baits and poison, and extermination.
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Tagged with: damage • droppings • dry • drywood • home • infestation • mud • of • pictures • signs • termite • termites • tubes • warning • wood
Filed under: Treating Termites
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