After cockroaches, termites might be the next worst pest to find in your home. Their activity is notorious for destroying homes, furniture, and belongings. Termites cause a whopping $5 billion in damages to homes every year. Here’s how to recognize the signs of an infestation!
Recognizing The Signs Of Termites And Termite Damage
Termites vs. Ants: What Do They Look Like
Termites are often mistaken for flying ants, and they are very similar in appearance. However, termites can vary in appearance depending on their job within the colony and how old they are. Most termites are white or off-white in color with tan-colored heads. When termites need to seek out new territory, some members of the colony will sprout wings so they can fly around. These specialized termites are called swarmers, and they are the ones that get mistaken for ants. The easiest way to tell the difference is by looking at the wing-to-body ratio. Flying ants possess two sets of wings – one bigger than the other. Termites have two sets of wings that are equally proportioned, and these wings will be much longer than the insect’s body length – unlike ants, who have a short wingspan.
Types Of Termites In Alabama
Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites are attracted to places where there is ample moisture. Outside, you’re most likely going to find them in dead or rotted trees and logs. When they venture inside, they’ll seek out places like basements, attics, and under sink cabinets. Because they love moisture, one of the best ways to discourage this type of termite from coming indoors is to address leaky pipes immediately. If there’s no moisture, there’s no water source for termites. And termites aren’t the only pest attracted to moisture, so by keeping up on the plumbing, you’re going to prevent a whole slew of unwanted guests.
Drywood Termites
Drywood termites, as you might have figured out from the name, they don’t need moist wood, as subterranean termites prefer. Drywood termites are the most common termite in the US and can pretty much live anywhere in the home with wood – walls, beams, furniture, shelves, etc.
Signs Of A Termite Infestation
1. Damaged Wood
This is the warning sign most people are familiar with. Termites eat wood fibers, so one of the most obvious signs of their presence is damaged wood. The trail they leave behind will look like long narrow tubes.
2. Termite Tubes
Not all termites create these structures. Subterranean termites love to use mud as a way to protect themselves and their eggs. They also use tubes as a termite highway to travel safely from one part of the colony to the other. These structures will often appear on the corners and walls of your house. The texture looks similar to that of damp sand you might use to build a sandcastle at the beach. If you spot a termite tube, do not hesitate to call pest control. By the time you’ve spotted the tube, the infestation is already very advanced.
3. Swarming Or Wings
As mentioned above, termites will send out scouts or “swarmers” to look for a new territory for a colony. If you notice a swarm of flying insects in your home, take a closer look and see if they’re ants or termites. Also, once these scouts have found what they’re looking for, they’ll discard their wings. If you notice many wings without insects attached, chances are it’s time to call termite control.
4. Knock, Knock
If you knock on your walls or door, and it sounds hollow, you could have termite damage. The bugs devour the wood from the inside out, and as they carve out their tunnels, you’ll notice a distinct change in how sound travels through these surfaces. If the damage is pervasive, you may even notice the wood crumbles with little pressure applied.
5. Strange Noises
When termites eat, they aren’t quiet about it. As if termites aren’t creepy enough, you can actually hear them chewing your house! If you suspect you have termites, gently place your ear against the surface of your wall or door. If you can hear a clicking sound, it’s a good indicator you’ve got termites.
6. Feces
Termite feces, or “frass,” resembles a pile of sawdust or birdseed, so take action if you notice these little mounds. These frass piles are also very close to the “kick-out hole,” where worker termites will remove the waste from the wall and drop it on the ground. Your first reaction upon finding a pile of termite droppings may be to clean it up. However, it’s best to leave it until an exterminator inspects your property. These piles make it easy to locate the kick-out hole, and if they can locate the kick-out hole, they can get to the heart of the colony for a faster extermination.
Get Rid Of Termites With Help From Bama Pest Control, Inc.
Don’t let hungry termites destroy your home! If you’ve got termites near Mobile, Alabama, give the experts at Bama Pest Control, Inc. a call. Our termite control program swiftly eradicates these annoying pests and keeps you protected for years. Plus, our annual inspections will detect any flare-ups in termite activity. If you suspect you’ve got termites infesting your property, don’t hesitate to give us a call. The sooner we get on the scene, the less damage your house will suffer. Call us at (251) 478-7015 or send us a message online to schedule a consultation.
We currently service:
- Mobile County
- Baldwin County
- Washington County
For tips on recognizing the signs of pest infestations, be sure to visit our blog page here.
We are a proud service-disabled veteran-owned business. We are also hub Zone certified and DBE certified. For more information on our credentials, be sure to visit our About Us page or ask a team member when we visit your property!