Signs You Have Termites in Marion Oaks, FL; Mud Shelter Tubes, Shed Wings, Pellets & More

Termites cause Americans billions of dollars in property damage every year. They are an unseen pest that can be wreaking havoc on your home without you knowing it. When you are dealing termites, you will find that an ounce of prevention is worth two pounds of cure. It is worth taking the steps necessary to prevent termites in your home. Pest 911 is here to talk about some troubling signs that you may have a termite problem in your home.

How Do Termites Get in Your House

Much of a subterranean colony will be foragers. They travel over 100 feet to find cellulose material to eat. This will include wood, cardboard, paper and more. They are in search of a new place to build their nest. Unfortunately, this might end up being your home. Another way that termites might end up infesting your home is by swarming. Over time, a colony will continue to grow and get larger. Once it is so large, swarmers will be sent out to start a new colony somewhere else. Most of the time you will see swarmers in the spring and summer, but it is still a possibility to see them in the fall and even winter.

Signs of a Termite Infestation in Your Home

During certain times of the year, you may notice that there are many wings left behind from swarmers that have started a new colony in your home. You would notice these discarded wings around baseboards, windowsills or even inside walls. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, they will only be winged ants since termites and winged ants look a lot alike. Depending on the type of termite, signs may look different. Here are a couple of the most common species found in Florida and the signs that have invaded your property.

Subterranean Termites

The most tell-tale sign of subterranean termite infestation is the mud tubes usually found on the foundation of your home. They use these hollow tubes as a way to travel from the mud they live in to the structure they are eating. They also may appear as mud that is built up where there should be no dirt. This could include the interior of your home. You may also notice that wood is showing signs of damage like warping, buckling and hollow-sounding when you knock on it.

Drywood Termites

The biggest sign of drywood termites is the fecal pellets they leave behind. They build their nests within the structure unlike subterranean termites. Because of this, they will create holes and kick out fecal pellets to keep their area clean. If you clean them up and then notice more later, you know you have an active colony living in your home and need to call a professional pest control company right away.

Termite Inspections & Treatment

If you notice signs of termite activity in or around your property and home, it is imperative that you get help as soon as possible. Like mentioned above, an ounce of prevention will go a long way. Regular termite inspections by Pest 911 can help safeguard your home from these damaging pests. Call us today!