Termites are among the most harmful insects known to humankind. Not because they can hurt us, but because they do billions of dollars in damage each year. Unfortunately for those of us in central Maryland, the Eastern Subterranean Termite is common in our region. This destructive critter is responsible for a shocking 80 percent of all termite control costs in the U.S.
Unfortunately, it’s not always obvious when you have a termite problem. Too often, people mistake winged termites for other pests, like winged ants, or all the damage they do is not visible without closer inspection. Frequently, when someone realizes they have termites, there can be a significant amount of damage.
That’s why it’s essential to recognize the signs of having a termite infestation. Here are the top four signs that termites have made your home into theirs.
You Find Mud Tubes
Termites live underground, but they will build mud tubes to help them access necessary resources, such as those depicted here. The tubes can serve various purposes, but mainly they use them to allow them to travel safely between their nest and a food source.
Photo Credit: N.Y. State IPM Program at Cornell University
As the name implies, these tubes are made from mud, but termites might also mix in bits of wood that they’ve chewed up. Typically, they will build these on the side of an exterior wall, but we’ve seen them in crawl spaces and even basements from time to time. When you see these, it’s nearly 100 percent certain you have termites.
As the name implies, these tubes are made from mud, but termites might also mix in bits of wood that they’ve chewed up. Typically, they will build these on the side of an exterior wall, but we’ve seen them in crawl spaces and even basements from time to time. When you see these, it’s nearly 100 percent certain you have termites.
You See a Swarm
Another sign you have a termite problem is if you see a swarm of them. It’s common this time of year for the young termites to leave their colony en masse, creating a swarm that flies around looking for new places to settle. They usually come out in the evening and are attracted to porch lights or street lamps. If you see a swarm, there’s a good chance they’re either in the process of establishing a colony nearby or have already done so.
You Find Holes in Nearby Trees or Shrubs
Before they hit your house, they’ll likely feast on trees and shrubs in the area first. They may also attack wooden fences, firewood piles, etc. Look for soft spots in the wood that resemble hollowed-out galleries (and, of course, mud tubes).
Bulges, Bubbles, or Ridges in Your Wall
There are a few signs that termites are living in your home’s walls. Primarily, you might see bulges, bubbles, or ridges on what is usually a flat surface. Homeowners frequently mistake these for water damage (another potentially severe issue). This is a sign that they’ve expanded their colony, and the larger the area is damaged, the more likely you have a significant termite infestation.
Photo Credit: N.Y. State IPM Program at Cornell University
Call In The Pros!
Dealing with these pests can be tricky, but we’ve got you covered!
If you see any of these signs of a termite infestation, it’s a good idea to call a professional. The sooner, the better! We can investigate and provide you with the best solutions to remove the colony and prevent them from returning.