How To Tell if You Have A Termite Infestation

July 30, 2019

Termites are a huge problem across the country, causing millions of dollars in damage every year. New Jersey pest control is no exception, so it is important to be vigilant when it comes to termites; an undiscovered pest infestation can be extremely costly and could cause a lot of problems for your home. However, how do you know if you have termites in the first place? There are certain signs of an infestation that you can look for to ensure that you stay on top of any issues as they arise. Read on to learn more about how to figure out if termites are present at your property, and if you’re in need of residential pest control or commercial pest control services.

 

Swarmers: A Sign Of Termites In Your House

 

Swarmers, which are also called flying termites, are typically present at the outset of a termite infestation. Swarmers are looking for a mate so that they can create a new colony; if you see them near your home, they may have chosen your property to settle and build a nest. These termites are particularly prevalent when it rains. In addition to seeing swarmers, you may see their wings lying about as well, which is another sure sign of a problem. The wings fall off fairly soon after the termite mate. While some ants also have wings, ants have a pair of larger and smaller wings, while termite wings are all the same size.

termite swarmer

 

Termite Tubes

 

Termites are not able to defend themselves against predators very effectively. In addition, they need water in order to thrive. If they are not under the ground or buried in the wood, they make tunnels to keep themselves safe. These tunnels look like brown tubes, and they are often found near the foundation of a home. If you do find termite tubes, don’t panic right away. They could be old. Simply take off part of the tube and wait to see if the termites fix it or not. If it never gets fixed, there was an old infestation that is not present any longer. In addition to the foundation, make sure to search your basement, your attic, and even your crawl space to determine whether or not termites have settled on your property.

termite tube

 

Termite Inspection Tip: Checking Trees

 

Termites consume wood from the inside and move out; if you see some wood around your property that doesn’t look right, tap on it to see what kind of sound it makes. If it sounds hollow, you need to look more closely to see if termites are causing the problem. If you confirm the presence of these pests, the wood needs to be replaced. It is also crucial to call a professional pest control company to make sure the problem is eradicated in a timely manner.

 

Sometimes, you may not see any signs of termites and still have a problem that needs to be addressed. Excel Termite & Pest Control can set up termite monitors at your property, allowing you to rest easy in the knowledge that your home is being looked after. If you are concerned, give us a call today and set up a free inspection.

If you are looking for more information about termites read through our Termite’s FAQ page.