Termites generally swarm in the spring when conditions are ideal. Rising temperatures, moisture, wind, and light are all contributing factors. If you live in an area with consistent temperatures year round, you may also see termite swarms during the fall months. You may only be aware you have termites once you see a swarm. When it comes to termites and termite damage, prevention is always better than the cure. Your experienced Knock Em Out Pest Control professional can protect your home from significant structural deterioration caused by termites.
What Does an Active Termite Infestation Look Like?
1. Discarded Termite Wings – discarded wings are one of the first signs and sometimes the only sign (unless you see a swarm) that you have a termite issue. As a termite colony grows, the winged termites will leave to establish a new colony. Once the new colony is established, the termites will shed their wings. If you find a mountain of wings, you can be sure that termites are around. Termites are attracted to the light, so the most obvious places to look for wings are windowsills in the basement.
2. Termite Mud Tubes – Subterranean termites live underground and use an elaborate tunnel system to travel to find food. Unfortunately, this food source often includes your home. The mud tubes or tunnels are designed to maintain moisture and protect the termites. Mud tubes are often found around the foundation of the home.
3. Termite Droppings (Frass) – Frass or termite droppings are one of the most obvious signs of a termite infestation. Drywood termites build nests inside the wood, building tunnels as they gorge themselves on wood. Termite droppings are small, pellet-like, and similar in appearance to sawdust. They can be found anywhere in your home where there is wood.
4. Hollowed Out Wood – Most termites consume wood from the inside outs, so if you find wood in or around your home that sounds hollow when tapped, there is a good chance you have a termite infestation. Other tell-tale signs are pieces of wood that look blistered.
5. Exterior Wood Damage – wood that has surface damage can also indicate you have a termite issue. Bare wood that is exposed or wood that is rotten is an open invitation for termites to feast.
6. Termite Swarms – The only time you will see termites is when they swarm; at this point, you can guarantee you have termites on the property. Swarming termites are termites leaving an established colony to create a new one. Termites can swarm inside and outside the home.
How Do You Check for Termites in Your House?
One of the first places to check for termites is around your air conditioning unit. Termites like moisture and the areas around your AC are the perfect places to set up a home. Ensure the moisture release is facing away from the foundations and the area is not prone to other forms of moisture, including puddles. Check any wooden beams for signs of termite damage by pressing against the timber to check for sponginess. Along with wood, termites are attracted to the cellulose in cardboard. Items for storage should be replaced with plastic containers. Avoid using cardboard boxes whenever possible.
Termite Pest Inspections, Prevention, Control & Removal in Lansing, Michigan
Protect your biggest investment by contacting the experts at Knock Em Out Pest Control today to schedule a termite inspection for your Lansing, MI, residential home or commercial business.
