How to Identify Termites

Termites

How to Identify Termites

Oftentimes termites aren’t a pest that many people think about until they see signs of damage. And by then, your most likely have hundreds, maybe even thousands, of dollars worth of damages already. Termites can cause a lot of damage to your home and property if they are not identified and controlled early on. In this blog post, we will discuss how to identify termites, as well as some tips on how you can control and prevent termites around your property.

How to Identify Termites by Appearance

One of the most common ways people try to identify termites is by their appearance. This can be tricky, as different types of termites can look very similar to one another. Not only that but because of how they look, winged termites are oftentimes mistaken for flying ants. But when you look closely there are quite a few obvious differences between the two insects.

For example, flying ants have a pinched waistline while termites do not. You can also tell them apart by…

termite activity during winter

You should also know that the role a termite plays in its colony plays a part in how to identify termites. In a typical termite colony, there are four different social castes, winged termites or swarmers, worker termites, soldier termites, and the king and queen termites.

How to Identify Termites by Species

When learning how to identify termites by their appearance it is also important to know that there are different types of termites. The three main types of termites are dry wood, subterranean, and damp wood.

Dry Wood Termites: These termites are found in dry, sound wood and do not need contact with the ground to survive. Because of this, they are often found in attics, furniture, and picture frames.

Subterranean Termites: These termites live in the soil and build mud tunnels to reach food sources. They are the most common type of termite and cause the most damage to homes.

Damp Wood Termites: These termites live in wood that is high in moisture content, such as tree stumps, fallen trees, and logs. They can also be found in wet or damp areas of your home, such as leaky roofs, pipes, and around bathtubs.

how to identify termites

As you can see, there are quite a few ways you can identify termites by their appearance. But if you’re still not sure, there are a few other ways you can tell if you have termites on your property.

How to Identify Termites in Your Home

The appearance of termites is not the only thing you have to think about when you are wondering how to identify termites. Another way you can identify them is by the damage they leave behind. One of the most common signs of termite damage is mud tunnels or tubes. These are made out of mud and are used by termites to travel from their nests to their food source.

Some other things you should keep an eye out for include:

If there is a specific area of your home that you are concerned about, tap on the wood. If it sounds hollow then it is likely you have a termite problem.

Let Sigma Pest Control Help Tackle Your Termite Problems

At Sigma Pest Control we know the best way to identify and control termite infestation is by taking preventative measures and scheduling regular inspections. Our experienced and certified professionals will be able to identify any current or potential problem areas on your property and create a customized treatment plan to fit your needs. We will also teach you how to identify termites and identify areas of your home that these pests may be drawn to.

If you think you may have termites, don’t wait! Contact our team immediately. Termites can cause wood damage that can undermine your home’s structure so the sooner you can identify and control them, the better.

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