The Secret Signs of Termites: How to Spot Them Before They Eat Your Equity

Mud Tubes

Termites thrive in wet environments. Check for pencil-sized tunnels made of mud that travel from the ground to floor joints around the property without drying out. While these shelter tubes may not raise concerns at first, they can spread throughout your property and contribute to a full-blown infestation. If you detect mud tubes, break a piece to see termites scurrying and call a pest control company quickly.

Swarming Insects

Another noticeable sign of a possible termite invasion is swarming around windows or doors. In such cases, many people make the mistake of dealing with swarming pests, which doesn’t address the root cause of the problem. Termites hide in moist ground, slowly destroying wooden surfaces and even idle stumps and woodpiles in your backyard. Once you detect swarms on your property, it may be time for professional pest removal. Trained technicians can pinpoint hiding colonies and eliminate these pests at the source.

Piles of Insect Wings

A pile of wings doesn’t necessarily mean you have a termite problem, as it may also suggest a winged ant invasion. If you can’t distinguish the two, check the wings left behind. Termites have four wings that are usually equal in length and almost twice the size of their bodies. Conversely, ant wings are the same length as the body, and the front and back wings are unequal in length. Although both critters are a nuisance if left unchecked, termites are more destructive and require immediate attention.

Termite Droppings

Like other living creatures, termites defecate after feeding on wood. Check for piles of tiny and tan fecal pellets, often six-sided, as it means you need pest removal services quickly. These droppings are also found near holes in the damaged or old wood, typically around furniture, window sills, or wooden stairs. Pest service providers can assess the termite population on your property and determine the most effective strategy to permanently resolve the problem.

Noise in Walls

When the house is really quiet, you might hear faint rustling or clicking sounds coming from inside the walls. This usually suggests that termites are eating or moving. Before you can act, take time to inspect for other warning signs of termites on the premises. If you prefer a more hands-off approach to pest control, hire exterminators to handle the heavy lifting. Trained pest service providers can catch even hidden signs that often go undetected, devising a treatment plan that protects your investment.

What to Do If You Have Termites

Now that you know the warning signs of a pest infestation, the next step is taking the proper action to mitigate disasters. If you detect termites in your home or business, reach out to a reputable pest control company for help. The experts at Wheeler’s Pest Control can inspect, diagnose, and address a wide range of unwanted critters effectively, reclaiming your living spaces and saving you money. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our experts and let us help you maintain a pest-free environment for many years to come.