Termites are one of the most common pests in the United States. They tend to look for wood that is moist, soft, and easy to chew through.
As a homeowner, you want to keep your house in good shape. You want it to look its best and be free of any pests that could be harmful to your family. When it comes to termites, you may not know what signs can indicate a termite infestation.
In our previous blog, Termites 101: From Inspection to Control, we covered what termites are and how you can get rid of them. In this article, we take things one step further. This guide will help you learn more about the early warning signs of termite infestations so that you can catch them before they get out of hand!
#1 Swarms Of Termites
Termites are divided into three different categories. These categories are workers, soldiers, and reproductive termites. The reproductive termites are also known as swarmers. These termites are distinguished by a pair of large, pale-colored wings. Swarms are one of the early warning signs of termites.
The queen is the only member of the colony that reproduces, and she lays eggs that hatch into larvae. These larvae mature into adults and then help to raise new generations of termites.
As the swarming season occurs (usually the spring or the summer season), the termite’s swarmers move away from their existing colonies to new areas looking to expand and make new colonies. So if you see swarms of termites, then it is likely that there are colonies forming near your property.
Take A Look At Discarded Wings
As we know, the swarmer termites have the ability to fly. However, they are not strong when it comes to flying and therefore are only able to take flight for a short duration. After this, they will shed their wings. Watch out for these wings near the windows and doors of your home.
#2 Termite Mud Tubes
Now from the queen or the flying termites, let us move toward another category of termites, the worker termites. While you may not be able to spot a termite nest, you can easily find the mud tubes they make to get around.
Mud tubes are a type of termite defense strategy. Termites make mud tubes to protect themselves from predators, like ants and other insects that want to eat them. They do this by building tubes on the sides of their homes or mounds so that they can move safely between the inside and outside for food. You can also see the mud tubes on hidden or shady areas or cement blocks. The termites exit these tubes at night when searching for food sources so they do not get noticed.
Here are the most common types of mud tubes that termites use:
- Exploratory Tubes
- Work Tubes
- Drop Tubes
#3 Termite Droppings
The most common early warning sign of termites is the presence of their droppings. Termites leave behind tiny, sawdust-like particles that are about 1/4 inch long. They look like little grains of rice, and they’re a sure sign that termites have found their way in your home. If you notice too many droppings, this can mean that they have already started damaging your home.
Termite droppings are little brown pellets that are also called frass. You may find them on window sills, door frames, or on the ground around your home. If you notice termite droppings, you need to call a pest control company right away.
#4 Termite Bodies
Termites are smart and very sneaky. Most of the time, you will hardly know that they have been damaging the wood of your home. Therefore, you need to pay close attention if you want to spot these termites. Although it is tough, there can be times when you will see a few termites in the daylight.
The most obvious sign of termites is what looks like tiny little sticks on the ground. These are the bodies of dead termites. They’re extremely fragile, so if you find them, it’s probably not safe to touch them.
#5 Stuck Windows And Doors
What do termites like the most? The answer to this question is quite obvious, i.e., wood. You need to pay careful attention to the furniture made of wood in your home, especially the doors and windows, as this is where the termite’s attack most frequently. When termites start eating the door and windows made of wooden materials, they can start deteriorating. This is why stuck/damaged doors are crucial early warning signs of termites.
Termites will often eat away at the wood on the frame of windows and doors, leaving them looking splintered or cracked. This will make it tough for you to open the doors and windows, and you will notice this if your doors or windows are constantly getting stuck. If you do not spot these insects early, your home is also at risk of structural issues. If you see this sort of damage, it’s time to call in the professionals.
Best Termite Control Services In Tennessee
Whether you own a home or a business, you must know the signs of termite infestation. These pests can not only destroy your property, but they also carry diseases that can be harmful to humans and pets. There are some natural remedies and DIY tips to get rid of termites, but these are not always effective. To keep your home safe, you must call a professional to deal with any termite infestation.
If you spot any of these early warning signs of termites infestation in your home or business, contact the experienced professionals at Jamison Pest and Lawn team. We have a combined experience of more than 77 years in the pest control industry, and we continue to provide exceptional termite control services to the homeowners in Tennessee. To learn more about our services, contact us today at (901) 452-1505.
