There are a few pests that are especially well-known for good reason, and one great example here is the termite. Termites can wreak havoc on wood structures and are widely known for this, and home and building owners are regularly looking for ways to prevent them – including some of the early signs that an infestation might be forming.
At A-1 Exterminators, we’re happy to offer a number of termite remedies for clients in Salt Lake City, West Jordan, Sandy, West Valley City and other parts of Utah. From our VA termite inspections and other identification services to termite treatments and more, we ensure that you’re never dealing with a termite infestation. Here are some of the early indicators that termites might be looking to infest your space, particularly during this early spring period when they tend to activate, plus what to do if you notice them.
Ideal Conditions
While this isn’t necessarily a “sign” of a termite infestation per se, one of the first things to be aware of is if you have the ideal conditions for termites. They thrive in warm, damp environments, so basements, crawl spaces and other areas that are prone to excess moisture are prime targets. Make sure these areas are well-ventilated and dry, and repair any leaks or water damage as soon as possible.
This is especially important during this early spring period when termites are looking to expand their colonies and infest new structures. Monitoring these areas regularly, especially after heavy rains, is recommended to catch any issues early.
Presence of Termite Droppings
In many cases, you won’t actually see termites themselves – but you may notice their droppings. Termite droppings are small, dark and speck-like, and you may spot them in wall voids, beneath cabinets or in other undisturbed areas where termites may be feeding. If you notice an abundance of these droppings, it’s a sign that termites are actively feeding in the area and you likely have an infestation that requires treatment.
In this case, you should be immediately contacting a professional pest control company to assess and treat the infestation before it spreads further.
Mud Tube Presence
Another telltale sign of termites is the presence of mud tubes. Termites will build these shelter tubes between their colony and the wood they are feeding on. You may spot these tubes extending up the foundation of your home or other structure, or running along the ground outside. If you notice mud tubes, it indicates active termites and the need for treatment.
Mud tubes can be found just about anywhere that wood meets the ground, so inspecting the perimeter of your home is important for catching them early. Check areas like drywall, siding, decks and porches where wood is exposed. The sooner you spot and treat mud tubes, the less damage termites can do.
Visible Termites Outside
In some cases, actual termites themselves will be visible – and they may begin by attacking certain outdoor structures. Watch for signs of termite damage in outdoor wood, like rotting or holes. You may also spot the termites themselves, which are small, pale and winged.
Swarms of termites outside the home, especially near entry points or wood structures, indicate an active colony that will likely try to spread indoors. In this case, treatment should be done as soon as possible to prevent them from entering the home.
Most Active in Spring
As we’ve touched on a couple times here, termites – particularly the “swarmers” we just referenced above – are most active during the spring. This is when they are looking to establish new colonies, so it’s crucial to be on the lookout for signs of infestation during this period. Regular inspections of your home and monitoring for the signs we’ve discussed here can help you catch termites early before major damage is done.
One such sign that should be looked for is a piling-up of termite wings, often near doors or window frames that they may be trying to enter through. While the swarmers themselves are often short-lived, a grouping of their discarded wings is an indication that they were active in the area.
With the right vigilance and termite prevention techniques, you can help avoid costly damage to your home. But if you do spot signs of an active infestation, contacting a professional pest control company right away is highly recommended.
For more here, or to learn about any of our termite or other pest control services for clients around SLC, West Valley City, Sandy or West Jordan, speak to our team at A-1 Exterminators today.
