3 Signs Of A Termite Infestation
Termites are a national issue, as they are found in 49 states. Termites cause an estimated $5 billion in property damage every year. The best way to protect your home from termites is to take preventative measures and have a professional pest control company at the Lake of the Ozarks spray for them. However, it is always best to be proactive and search for signs of termites on a periodic basis. If termites are in your home and you do not spot them in time, they could cause thousands of dollars in damage. Best Pest Control lists five signs that you may have termites in your home:
1. Wings
When termites move from one location to another they swarm, which means they fly from one point to another to form a new colony. When they have found a new place they will lose their wings because they will never need them again. Their wings can be found near their access points like windows and doors. Although when ants swarm, they look very similar to termites. To make sure they are actually termites and not ants, take a closer look at the wings. Termite wings are all the same size, while ants have one pair of larger wings and one pair of smaller wings.
2. Mud Tunnels
In order for termites to survive, they need certain temperature and humidity levels. They will build tunnels out of mud to help block out any cool, dry air. These tunnels can be found wherever the ground meets your house or any other food source, such as trees or a shed. To test if there are any active termites in your home, remove a small section in the middle of a tube. If termites crawl out or if the section is rebuilt within a few days, there are still termites in your home. However, they may also choose to abandon the disturbed mud tubes and build a new one, so do not assume you don't have termites if the tube doesn't get rebuilt.
3. Damaged Wood
Because termites eat wood, wood damage is often the biggest sign of a termite infestation. Termites will chew through wood leaving behind grooves. Over time, it will weaken the wood causing structural damage. Places that wood damage is often found is below and behind walls, floors and other wood structures. Having a specialist look for wood damage is the best way to determine if termites are the cause, as it is hard to do yourself. Specialists have the appropriate tools to test the damaged areas and will not have to cut through walls or ceilings.
Protect Your Home From Termites
Termites will often swarm after heavy rain when the air is moist. Termites are a year-round problem, as they have a rather long life - living approximately one to two years if the conditions are right. Make sure your home is protected from the next swarm by having it treated for termites by a Lake of the Ozarks pest control company. If your home does have termites or if you think it does, Best Pest Control can inspect and treat your home. To schedule an appointment or inspections, call us today at 573-348-1600.
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