How to Discover Termite Problems in Your Delaware Home
This is a guest post by Claire Clarke who writes for InsightPest.com and several other pest control websites.
Termites are hated by most property owners because the damage that they can cause can cost thousands of dollars to repair. In some cases, houses or structures that have sentimental or historic value are even destroyed due to extensive termite infestations.
If you are having termite problems, then you should know how to get rid of them. But make sure that your timing is perfect too so that you’ll be able to easily kill most, if not, all of them. However, in case your termite problem is pretty widespread and you don’t have the capabilities and experience to handle it, don’t be shy about asking for help from pest control experts.
Checking for Termites
There are several ways to check if your house is infested with termites. When the invasion is still in its early stages, it is hard to notice termites because they are often well-hidden, and many also live under the ground as in the case of subterranean termites. You’ll only notice them walking around or maybe flying about when the infestation is already serious, and the termites have already established themselves near or inside your house. To check for termites, look for the following:
Termites on floors, ceilings or walls
Once you see a couple of termites crawling on your walls, this means that the infestation is already quite severe. These termites might have escaped from their mud tunnels, or they may be foraging for food sources. What you can do is check for mud tunnels. Look at dimly lit corners or damp areas near water sources. Tap surfaces made of wood, and if you get a hollow sound, this means that the termites are already inside you walls.
Termite swarms
Termites often swarm from January to June, but are most active during the first two months of the year. These insects swarm as they go around looking for other homes. Certain kinds of termites also swarm during a specific time. Some types, like the drywood termite, go out during dusk or early evening. Subterranean termites, on the other hand, swarm during the mornings, and most especially after raining.
Termite wings and mud holes
When there are termite wings or mud holes, these are positive indications of a termite infestation. Termite wings are also pretty fragile. So, when they swarm, they can easily drop their wings. Mud holes created by termites are primarily used for traveling, like when termites go out in search for food. Some mud tunnels are used for a long time, while others are abandoned. But generally, termites create such an extensive network of earth tunnels, which is why it’s so easy for these insects to go from one place to another; thus, infesting other areas readily too.
Sagging or hollow wood
As mentioned earlier, you can determine if a termite infestation is currently undergoing by knocking on wood. If you get a hollow sound, chances are that the termites have already eaten what’s inside the wood. Because termites chew through wood, they can cause beams or ceilings to collapse or sag.
Citations:
Claire Clarke writes for InsightPest.com and several other pest control websites. Her articles focus on termites, ants, and cockroaches. Clarke emphasizes natural ways to get rid of pests to reduce harm to family and self, as well as to homes, structuress, and the environment.
