
Termites cause approximately $5 billion worth in damage every year in the United States alone. Unfortunately, much of this damage is done before homeowners are even aware that termites have invaded. Early identification of termites is crucial so problems can be treated properly and damage to the home can be mitigated. Below are the top three signs of termites to watch for so you can identify a problem quickly and save your home from the damage they cause.
Shed Wings
Many people see shed wings, or even winged termites, and think that they are dealing with an ant problem. It is true that winged ants and termites look very similar, but there are differences. One of the main differences between the two is that termites do not keep their wings for very long. They use them to fly to another location to create their own colony. Once there, they shed their wings because they are no longer useful. As such, if you see piles of shed wings around your home, it is likely that termites have already invaded your home.
Mud Tubes
Termites are quite delicate creatures, and their skin is very thin and can dry out very quickly. To prevent this from occurring, termites will create mud tubes so they can travel from their nest to their food source, which is your home. Mud tubes do not always indicate termites, but there is a way you can check them to determine if you have an active termite problem. Start by removing part of the tube to determine if live termites are inside. If there are live termites, or the tube is repaired the next day, it is a sign that you have termites.
Damage to Wood in the Home
Damage to wooden parts of the home is a surefire sign that termites have made their way inside your home. This is not only one of the most common signs of termites, but it is also one of the most difficult to spot. Signs of wood damage include peeling paint that is similar to signs of water damage, small holes in dry walls, and grooves in walls, floor boards, or even furniture.
Wood damage is so difficult to spot because it often requires the removal of some drywall to check the studs underneath. Homeowners can also knock on areas of wood while listening for a hollow sound or looking for wood that is papery and no longer completely solid. Existing damage to wood is a sign that a termite infestation has already gotten out of hand, and that professional help is necessary.
Contact Us Today for Termite Control in Austin
If you suspect that you have termites, our Austin termite control specialists at Stride Pest Control are here to help. We know how to determine if you have a termite problem, how to safely and effectively eliminate it, and how to prevent the critters from coming back. Contact us today at (512) 777-1339 to request a quote before termites do any more damage to your home.