Never ignore a potential termite infestation in your home! Termites cause severe damage to a home's framework, doors and door frames, window frames, subflooring, cabinets and other wood surfaces and materials rather quickly. Termite damage is often costly to repair and, if left unchecked, allows for moisture absorption and resultant mould growth along those wood components.
The best way to determine if your home is infested with termites is to schedule an inspection by a pest control expert. However, you might note some common signs that your home has termites, so you know when to call for termite control services.
Look for Tunnels
Termites build mud tunnels as they travel. These tunnels typically start outside a home and lead to an entry point for the insects. To check for termites in your home, inspect exposed areas along the foundation as well as under window frames and entryway doors. If you notice these long lines of mud, this often indicates a termite infestation.
Don't wash away any potential termite tunnels outside your home. Call a pest control expert so he or she can inspect those tunnels and note potential termite entry points around your house. Those entry points might tell an exterminator the best places to treat your home for pesky termites, to destroy any nests and keep other termites from entering the home.
Check Windowsills
Termites often shed their wings along windowsills or the baseboards of homes. Check your home's windowsills as needed for papery, white insect wings. As with tunnels, don't simply wash these away! Call an exterminator or pest control expert so he or she can examine those wings and note if they are from termites, and if your home needs treatment for those damaging pests.
Look for Wood Damage
As termites eat away at a home's wood structure and building materials, they often leave behind a line of fine sawdust or other such debris. You might notice small piles of this residue along interior baseboards or collecting below a wood door. Holes around windows and door frames are also sure signs of a termite infestation! You might also notice holes or similar damage to wood cabinets in the kitchen or bathroom.
If you suddenly hear creaking when you walk across a room, this might indicate damage to the home's wood floorboards. If you notice any of these issues in your home, call an exterminator right away and schedule a proper inspection and treatment for a potential termite infestation.
When the cold days of winter start to strike, you may be lulled into thinking that pests go into hibernation at this time of year. However, I can assure you that this is not the case. In fact, if anything, you are more likely to see pests in your home during winter because they are looking for somewhere warm to hide. My blog is all about pest control. I share my thoughts on topics like how to spot if you have a pest problem, and how to stop pests getting inside. If you are looking for some pest control tips and tricks, then check out my blog posts.