Termites are among the most destructive types of pests that homeowners and businesses might have. The National Pest Management Association reports that termites cause an estimated $5 billion in damage to structures in the U.S. each year. It is important for you to recognize the signs that you might have a termite problem. However, you should also understand that just because you don’t see these signs does not mean that you do not have termites. If you see any of these signs or simply want to have an inspection to check for the presence of termites, the professionals at Bug Out are able to help.
Swarms
Subterranean termites live underground, but they emerge during warm days in the spring and summer in swarms. If you see swarms of small insects that look like winged ants, you likely have termites. The swarms may appear in your yard or inside of your house. You may also see evidence of a swarm by looking for small piles of wings on the floor.
Presence of Mud Tunnels
Termites leave behind telltale mud tunnel structures on the interior or exterior walls of your home. These structures are approximately the thickness of a pencil and are shaped like tubes. Termites use these tunnels for transportation between their nests and their feeding sources. You should check the inside and outside of your home and make certain to look near the foundations.
Hollowed Wood
Termites feed on wooden structures from the inside out. If you believe that you might have termites, you can tap on wooden areas of your home’s interior and exterior. Structures that have termite damage may sound hollow when you tap on them. If you find any areas that sound hollow, you should investigate further to try to determine whether or not termites are to blame.
Clicking Noises
If you listen closely, you can hear termites. If you have a severe infestation, you may be able to hear a soft clicking sound coming from inside of your walls. Worker termites are noisy when they eat. You can place your ear close to your walls and listen for the sounds that they make.
Seeing Termites
In addition to seeing reproductive swarms of termites in the spring, you might also see the bugs themselves. It is common for people to confuse termites with ants. Termites may appear like white ants with an almost translucent appearance. If you see these bugs in your building or on your lawn, get professional help.
The Importance of Getting Help
If you think that you might have termites, it is important for you to get help as soon as possible from the experts at Bug Out. Left unchecked, termites may cause substantial structural damage to your home or business. Fortunately, prompt treatment can prevent further damage. You can also take preventative measures to keep termites from infesting your property or from returning to it. Contact Bug Out to schedule your appointment and to obtain your free pest control quote.
