Termite — it’s a word that strikes fear into the hearts of homeowners. It’s amazing how something so small can cause so much damage.
The quicker you can stop these pesky invaders, the better you can protect your home from costly repairs. The first step is being able to recognize them. Below are four signs you have termites in your home.
Mud Tubes
A common and easy-to-spot sign of an infestation is tunneling. In order to protect themselves and their colony, termites will build tubes out of mud that span from the wall to wood. These tunnels will look like clay or mud and can be found both inside and outside the house. Because the termites travel in these tubes, you may not see them running around.
The tunnels are typically pretty small, around the size of a ballpoint pen. You can check to see if there’s an active colony inside by removing part of it.
If termites crawl out or the tunnel is rebuilt within a couple of days, it’s an active infestation. Be sure to contact your local pest control specialists as soon as possible if you find termites.
Wood Sounds Hollow
Did you know that termites eat wood from the inside out? As a result, if your house has termites, some of your wood might sound hollow.
You also might notice that wood features in your house begin to look distorted, wilted or damaged.
Tapping Sounds in the Walls
Many people first notice an infestation by the noise in the walls. Certain termites, such as soldier termites, will tap on the insides of the walls.
If you suspect a termite problem, listen closely to your walls. This can help you confirm your suspicions and get a pest control agent in quick.
Discarded Wings on the Floor
Lastly, if you see a lot of insect wings on your floor, you should check for termites.
Termites discard their wings when they find a new colony or place to live. However, many people confuse these wings with ant wings.
When you sweep them up, be sure to save a couple wings to show as an example. A pest control specialist can confirm whether you have ants or termites.
Termite Solutions in Salt Lake, Utah
Unfortunately, if you have an infestation, you’ll need a professional to take care of it for you. Termites can live for a long time and wreak havoc on your home.
For insect solutions in Salt Lake City that last, call A-1 Exterminators today.
