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The damaging effect that termite infestation can have on your home is utterly devastating. What makes their impact even more difficult to deal with is that they are hard to detect and therefore create gradual damage. Wood makes up the majority of what these pests consume, although termites eat other substances such as paper, plastic, and drywall.
Annually, termites cause more than a whopping $5 billion in property damage. Homes in Texas are particularly vulnerable to termite attacks, and the likelihood of these insects invading the home’s wooden structures within ten to twenty years of development is higher than 70%!
If you happen to hear of termites munching away at your neighbor’s property, you might be concerned that they are discretely snacking on your property too. Contacting services such as pest control in Pearland is a good idea to get some professional advice. Otherwise, protect yourself and your family by learning the signs of termite infestation.
Signs of interior damage
Termites love wood. Your floors, walls, doors and any other wooden furniture are delicious snacks for a community of termites. These areas are visible to spot. However, the foundational structure of the home can also consist of wood too. Floor joists and support beams are examples of where the harder to reach areas might be and where termites might find a place to reside and begin their work.
Inspect the insects in your home
It is easy to mistake ants and termites upon first glance. However, if you take a closer look, they look different from one another. Therefore, it is a good idea to inspect which insects are roaming your home and if you spot a termite, that’s when you need to seek professional help.
Although termites resemble ants in shape and size, termites have their own distinctive features. They are white and have wide bodies with a plumper waist. They have straight antennae and some have wings.
Look out for frass
Frass is known as termite excrement. It can resemble sawdust and usually gathers near their nesting home. If some of the fractures in your property are concerning you, then keep an eye out for frass. This tends to be dark in color and formed like pellets as opposed to sawdust.
Signs of mud tubes
When looking out for signs of termite infestation, keep an eye out for brown cracks. They are easy to spot and you can find them on walls, floors, or wherever there is a wooden structure within your home. They are made of mud and termite excrements for extra protection and moisture.
Wings found by window and doors
When termites mature to produce flying termites, usually around three to five years, they set off to reproduce a new colony much to the disapproval of your neighbors! These flying pests are sometimes known as swarmers and are drawn to the light. Swarmers like to be around windowsills and doors so if you see a pile of wings, you will need to take immediate action.
Do your walls sound hollow?
Termites usually eat wood beginning from the inside, so if your walls sound hollow, it is likely that these pests have been munching away at your home. This only occurs when a major infestation has been left untreated. So, make sure that you spot them before they have the chance to do costly damage to your property.
Conclusion
It is vital to understand the telltale signs of a termite colony breeding right under your nose. Early detection is the key so that you aren’t in for any nasty surprises later down the line. The sooner you can treat an infestation, the better off you, your family, and your home will be.
Even if nothing is found during an inspection, it is worth calling a professional pest control service for peace of mind.
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