Are you concerned that you may have a termite infestation in your home? If so, you’re not alone. Termites are common throughout the United States, and can cause serious damage to your home if left untreated. In this blog post, we will discuss the most common signs of termites, as well as how Sigma Pest Control can help you get rid of them!
Common Signs of Termites
Statistically speaking, your property is far more likely to be damaged by termites than by fire. According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), termites cost Americans more than $5 billion in damage annually. Because of this, it is essential to be aware of the common signs of termites so that you can take action as soon as possible if you think you may have an infestation.
Swammers
Swarmers are one of the most common signs of termites and often the first sign of termites. Swarmers are winged termites that leave the colony to mate and start new colonies. They are attracted to light, so you may see them near doors or windows. If you see swarmers, it is essential to immediately take action, as there is an active termite colony on your property.
Hollow or Blistering Wood
Another common sign of termites is damage to wood. Termites eat wood from the inside out, so you may not see any damage on the surface of the wood. However, if you tap on the wood and it sounds hollow or if there is blistering on the surface of the wood, these are both signs that there is termite damage.
Frass
Frass is another common sign of termites that you should be on the lookout for. Frass is the name for the wood that termites have eaten and their droppings. You may see frass near windows or doors or in piles beneath any damage to wood on your property. If you see frass, it is essential to take action as this means there is an active termite colony on your property.
Discarded Wings
As we mentioned before, swarmers are winged termites that leave the colony in order to mate and start new colonies. If you see discarded wings, this is a sign that there are termites on your property. You may find discarded wings near windows or doors or in piles beneath any damage to wood on your property.
Mud Tubes
Mud tubes are another common sign of termites that you need to be on the look out for. Mud tubes are made by termites and are used as a way for them to travel from the ground to your home, without being exposed to sunlight or predators. You may find mud tubes on the exterior of your home, near the foundation or in crawl spaces.
Head Banging or Chewing Noises
If you hear headbanging or chewing noises coming from your walls, this is a sign that you have termites in your home. The termites make these noises as they travel through your walls, eating the wood. Soldier termites bang their heads against the wood or shake their bodies when the colony is disturbed to signal danger to the other termites. Termites are sensitive creatures and can detect vibrations and noises using several organs found at the base of their antennae and on the tibia (one of the leg segments).
The termites that consume your woodwork are noisy eaters. If you listen closely to any log infested with termites, you may hear them chewing away.
Tight Fitting Doors and Hard to Open Windows
If you have doors or windows that are hard to open or close, this could be a sign that you may have termites. Termites can cause the wood around doors and windows to swell, making opening or closing them difficult. This is due to the moisture that termites produce when eating and tunneling through your door and window frames.
How Much Damage Can Termites Cause?
If your home is under attack by termites, they can cause a lot of damage. In fact, insurance companies attribute around $30 billion in damage to businesses, homes, agriculture, and other buildings in the United States alone. This is more damage than that caused by storms and fire combined.
While most homeowners insurance policies cover termite damage, there may be a deductible that you are responsible for. For this reason, it is important to take action as soon as you see any of the common signs of termites. Because termites are such small insects that live in areas that are difficult to access, many home owners don’t realize they have termites until a significant amount of damage has been done.
Have You Noticed Any of the Common Signs of Termites? Sigma Pest Can Help!
If you are experiencing any of the common signs of termites, it is important to take action right away. Sigma Pest Control can help you rid your home of termites and prevent them from coming back. We offer a variety of services to fit your needs. The sooner you take action, the less damage they will be able to do to your home! Contact us today for more information about our termite solution services!