Termites are an incredibly costly pest to treat. By knowing the symptoms of a termite infestation, you can take action fast. Homeowners insurance often does not cover termite damage, leaving it up to you to protect your home from infestation.
For over 60 years, Ortex Termite & Pest Control has been a leader in termite treatment. Our team employs effective strategies that eliminate pests and keep them away. Whether you have a termite infestation or another pest problem, we can help.
Between drywood termites in your home’s wood structures or subterranean termites under your home’s foundation, your risk is high. Call a professional if you notice these five signs of a termite infestation.
1. Damaged Wood and Tiles
Termites enter your home by chewing through the foundation. These pests live then in your walls and under floorboards. As the infestation worsens, you may notice damage to wood flooring, walls, support beams, and other structural elements. Termite wood damage isn’t always quickly visible.
These destructive pests increase moisture as they burrow under your floor, causing tiles to loosen and floorboards to blister. In severe cases, you may see maze-type patterns in your wood furniture as they search for cellulose.
Termites create grooves in wood, creating a honeycomb appearance. Wood will also sound hollow upon contact. This structural damage weakens your home’s framing, creating a dangerous living environment for you and your family.
2. Mud Tubes
Subterranean termites only survive in specific conditions. To reach your home, they create tunnels called mud tubes that extend from their colony to your home’s structure.
Mud tubes consist of debris and soil. These tiny structures protect termites from unsavory temperatures and allow them to survive in your home. From there, termites chew your home’s wood framing and other elements.
If you notice mud tubes on your property, termites are actively damaging your home and other wood structures. You’ll need professional termite control to prevent further damage.
3. Termite Droppings
Drywood termites live inside wood structures and are common in the Southern US. These pests put holes in walls to remove their droppings. Their droppings look like pellets or coffee grounds and consist of the wood they ingest.
Droppings are one of the first indicators of an infestation. Mounds of droppings indicate a severe termite infestation. If you see termite droppings, a nest or feeding ground is nearby and requires swift action to prevent substantial damage expenses.
4. Swarming Termites
Each termite species has swarmers—mature termites with wings. These winged adult termites leave their nests to create their own colonies. Swarming termites are active once a year, either in spring or fall.
These termites will appear on your home’s exterior and interior surfaces, indicating an infestation. Termites swarm in the morning or afternoon. Swarming periods are brief, meaning homeowners must stay alert to this increasing problem and implement a professional termite control plan.
5. Discarded Wings
Termite swarmers mate, beginning new colonies around your property and in your home. As these swarms occur, mature adults shed their wings after leaving the colony. Once a year, these wings will appear around your home.
Swarmers gravitate towards light. You may notice wings that resemble fish scales on window sills, near lights, doors, and other entry points. Upon landing in an ideal colony location, termites twist these wings off and switch to building tunnels.
It can be challenging to distinguish ant swarmer and termite swarmer wings. A pest control professional can determine whether you have a termite or ant infestation.
Get Prompt, Effective Termite Treatment From Ortex
While many signs of termites are easily visible, not all symptoms are obvious. You may mistake moisture from drywood termites as being caused by hot, humid weather. By studying the symptoms, you’ll be ready for termites before they arrive.
Termites work quickly, warranting a solution just as responsive. Ortex Termite & Pest Control works quickly to combat termites. We will inspect your property for termite nests, survey the damage, and develop the most effective plan to eradicate termites in your home and yard.
We use safe and effective methods to kill termites in hard-to-reach spaces. Our team’s attention to detail and thorough analysis of your property means you get an individualized plan to fight termites. Consider us for your pest control.
Don’t let termites ruin your home and finances. Get the perfect control plan for your termite problem from Ortex Termite & Pest Control. Contact us for termite control, soil treatment, and more at 931-213-7257.
