For many NEPA homeowners, discovering a termite infestation is the biggest nightmare imaginable. Not only are termites unpleasant pests to have around but they are also known for causing catastrophic damage to homes that can result in thousands of dollars in repairs.
Although termites are notoriously one of the hardest types of pests to eliminate, there are ways to prevent them from damaging your home. Properly identifying a termite infestation is the first step in treating and preventing them, so arm yourself with the knowledge of what to look for and live a termite-free life!
1. Mud Tubes
Mud tubes are often the easiest sign of a termite infestation to spot, though they don’t last for long. Mud tubes are small, pencil-sized tunnels made of wood and dirt that termites build as a way to connect colonies and hide from predators. Mud tubes are visible to the naked eye and can usually be easily spotted in basements or on exterior walls of the home.
2. Discarded Wings
Once male termites find a mate, they will break off their wings to signal to other termites that they are off the market. Seeing discarded insect wings around your home may be a sign that you’re dealing with a termite infestation, so be sure to get in touch with a professional exterminator if you notice this anywhere in your home.
3. Hollow-Sounding Wood
If you knock on your wooden walls or floors and it sounds hollow, you may be dealing with termites and some other kind of wood-destroying organism. These pests will often create cavities in floors and walls by chewing the wood as they travel through, resulting in that hollow sound you may be hearing.
4. Frass (Termite Droppings)
Termite droppings, commonly referred to as frass, are frequently mistaken for dirt or wood shavings. Termites will often leave piles of frass around the home after digging through wood or drywall and kicking their droppings up behind them. If you notice small piles of what looks like dirt around your home, it may be a sign that you’re dealing with termites.
5. Bubbling or Peeling Paint
Termites produce moisture when they eat, which can cause the paint in your home to bubble or peel. If you notice the paint in your home looking unusual or warped in any way, you may want to get in touch with a pest control professional and have your home inspected for termites.
6. Tiny Holes in Drywall
Termites often leave tiny holes in drywall as they chew their way through. Holes in drywall and piles of frass often go hand in hand, so if you notice these things in your home, it could be a sign of a termite infestation.
7. Warped Doors or Floors
Being that termites produce moisture when they eat, they can often cause doors and floors to take on a warped shape. Oftentimes, you’ll notice a door or window sticking. While this usually happens during the summer months due to high temperatures, it may be worth looking into if you suspect a termite infestation.
8. Termite Swarmers
Termite swarmers are winged termites that leave their colonies to mate and start new colonies. They can be identified by their large, pale wings, which are equal in size, and their long, dark brown bodies. Look for swarmers in the spring, as this is commonly termite mating season.
9. Clicking Sounds from Walls
Termites often make clicking sounds when chewing through wood or communicating with other termites. This can often be heard by listening closely against a wall or floor. If you hear any unusual clicking sounds in your home, it may be time to call a pest control professional.
10. Live Termites
Finally, spotting live termites in your home is almost always indicative of a larger termite infestation. If you see live termites in your home or on your property, you should definitely contact a professional exterminator. At The Pest Rangers, we offer many home defense protocols specifically designed to zap termites, including Sentricon and powerful termite sprays.
What to Do When You Spot a Termite
If you spot a termite in your home or on your property, it is imperative that you contact a pest control professional immediately. Termite infestations are very serious and can quickly grow into a much larger problem, so you’ll want to make sure you receive treatment immediately.
The trained staff at The Pest Rangers will inspect your property to confirm if termites are present and devise a plan to eliminate them immediately and keep them from coming back. Contact us to learn more about termite control in Northeast PA!
FAQs
How do termites enter a home?
Termites can enter a home just as any other kind of pest could, typically through cracks or crevices in your home’s foundation or walls. Termites can also hitch a ride to your home on infested pieces of lumber or even infested mulch, so keep an eye out for the telltale signs of a termite infestation to protect your property.
What are the most common types of termites?
The two most common types of termites are subterranean and drywood. Subterranean termites live in colonies underground, while drywood termites live in wood above the ground. The termites you are most likely to see on the East Coast are subterranean termites. These types of termites can be identified by their small size and darker color compared to the drywood variety.
What do termites eat?
Termites mainly eat cellulose materials, which is the main substance in the cell walls of plants. These materials include wood, plants, cardboard, and animal feces.