Where do ants, cockroaches, and mice have in common? They are all pests that belong inside, but that love to venture inside your home. If you do see them inside, you need to take action fast — because this is not where they should be! Pests are not just a nuisance. They can spread disease, destroy your insulation and other building materials, and leave nasty smells behind.
Every homeowner should know the basics about pest control. Yes, you can call in a professional as needed, but knowing the basics will still help you keep the pests outside where they belong. You can learn those basics right here on this blog.
Warning Signs Of A Termite Invasion
According to a study, Americans spend over $5 billion annually to address termite damage. Most home insurance policies don't cover termite damage; therefore, it's essential to beware of the signs of termites in your home. Detecting the presence of termites early can help you minimize the money you'll spend on repairs. Make sure you call a termite control specialist at the first sign of termites in your home. Here are some tell-tale signs that you have a termite invasion.
Mud Tubes
Some termite species build mud tubes that provide moisture when they travel between their colony and source of food. You'll find these tubes near the foundation of your home. These tubes are made of termite droppings or dirt.
It can be difficult to identify these mud workings, but they're the most common warning signs of a termite invasion. If you spot mud workings, it means you already have a termite problem. You should call a termite control specialist immediately to help you address the problem before it gets worse.
Hollow Timber
Termites typically consume wood going from the inside out and leave a thin piece of timber. If you tap on an area with termite damage, it may sound hollow. This is because the inside of the timber is already consumed.
Another sign to watch out for apart from hollow timber is unexplained cracks on walls. When termites eat the cellulose in timber, the cracks on the walls mean there's termite activity inside. Some of the other areas to check for cracks include beams, wooden ceilings, rafters, and architraves. You should also check whether wood flooring feels spongy or springs abnormally. All these signs of hollow timber mean that there's termite activity inside the wooden structures.
Discarded Wings
One of the common signs of termites is discarded wings. When termite colonies mature, the winged termites leave the nest to go make a new colony. The termites shed their wings when they no longer need them.
Piles of wings are a sign of termite presence. Since termites love light, you're likely to find wings around the basement window sills. You may also find wings in spider webs and cobwebs. At the first sign of discarded wings, you should call a termite control professional to prevent the spread of termites.
Termites can damage the structural foundation of your home. They can also destroy your wooden windows and doors. The best defense against termites is being able to spot them before they wreak havoc on your home. If you suspect termite activity, hire a termite control service to inspect your home.