Signs Your Home is Infested with Termites
Often confused with ants, termites are very small and similar in size to these common unwanted houseguests. But there are some main differences to these pests you should be aware of. These insects have a straight waist instead of a pinched one like ants. Termites also have straight antennae and wings that are the same size. Unlike ants, a termite infestation is often hard to spot as they do not come out often. Now that we know what termites look like, why should you look for an infestation in your home and what are some signs of an infestation in your home?
Why Should You Look for a Termite Infestation?
While termites feed primarily on wood, they also cause damage to paper, books, insulation, and even swimming pool liners and filtration systems. Most infestations are discovered in March, April, and May when the “swarmers” emerge from inside their homes. The “swarmers” can be identified by their wings as they disperse from the colony and move to start new colonies in the area. Once the swarmers exit their colony, they drop to the ground, shed their wings, pair off to mate, and attempt to begin new colonies in the soil. Although these termites are sent to start new colonies, they do not often survive outside of the colony. This is just one of many signs of an infestation in your home.
Signs of a Termite Infestation
Every year, termites cause billions of dollars in property damage. If termites are not caught early enough in their infestation, they could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs and eat away at your investment and your home. It is important for every property owner to know the signs of a termite infestation. So, what are the signs of termite damage?
- Mud tubes on interior/exterior walls- these tunnels provide moisture for the termites in your home while they travel between their colony and their food source. Mud tubes can be found anywhere in a home, but most often they are found near a home’s foundation.
- Wood damage- if your wood sounds hollow, it often signifies a termite infestation. Since termites eat the wood from the inside out, the wood will sound hollow if tapped on. Homeowners should look for blistering wood.
- Uneven or bubbling paint- this is often a sign of moisture that is building up in the wood. Uneven or bubbling paint is often a sign of either water damage or termites.
Termites cause more than five billion dollars in property damage every year. Don’t let your home be damaged by termites. With the Sentricon® Termite Colony Elimination System and Eco-Care on your side, your home will be termite free. If you find signs of termite damage in your home, call Eco-Care Pest Management today.
Call Eco-Care Today!
From termites to wasps, Eco-Care does it all! A family owned and operated company, Eco-Care has been serving central Maryland for more than 21 years. Eco-Care works with a scientific approach to getting rid of the pests in your home for good. With specially trained field technicians, we can help your home stay pest free! For more information on our services, call Eco-Care today!