How to Tell If You Have a Termite Infestation
Termites are small insects that feed on wood and can cause significant damage to your home before you even realize they’re there. Knowing how to recognize the signs of a termite infestation is the first step to protecting your home from costly repairs. At Alta Pest Control, we’re here to help you identify these signs and take action.
If you’re concerned about termites, watch for these key indicators in and around your home:
1. Mud Tubes
Subterranean termites build thin, pencil-sized tunnels made of mud to travel between their colony and food sources. These are often found along walls, foundations, or crawl spaces.
2. Hollow-Sounding Wood
Tap on wooden structures like walls, floors, or furniture. If they sound hollow or feel brittle, termites may have eaten the wood from the inside.
3. Discarded Wings
After swarming, termites shed their wings. You may find piles of these near windows, doors, or light fixtures.
4. Blistered or Damaged Paint
Bubbling or peeling paint can indicate termites tunneling just beneath the surface.
5. Frass (Termite Droppings)
Drywood termites leave behind tiny, pellet-shaped droppings near infested areas.
What Are Termites?
Termites are small, wood-eating insects that play a critical role in breaking down dead wood in the environment. However, when they invade homes, they can cause severe structural damage. There are several types of termites, but the most common ones affecting homes are:
- Subterranean Termites: These termites live in colonies underground and build mud tubes to access their food source—wood. They thrive in moist environments and are among the most destructive termite species.
- Drywood Termites: Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites do not need soil to survive. They infest dry wood, such as furniture, hardwood floors, and attic beams, making them particularly troublesome in drier climates.
Termites can remain hidden in your home for a long time. Damage often becomes noticeable only after a year or more, by which time it may already be extensive.
What Do Termites Do to Your Home?
Termites feed on wood and other materials containing cellulose. In a home, this can result in:
- Structural Damage: They weaken walls, ceilings, floors, and support beams by hollowing out wood from the inside.
- Cosmetic Damage: Termites may damage paint, wallpaper, and other finishes as they tunnel through wooden structures.
- Foundation Issues: Subterranean termites can undermine the stability of a home by attacking the wooden components of the foundation.
Why Termites Are Hard to Detect
Termites work silently and often remain hidden in walls, foundations, or attics. Damage can take months or even years to become visible, by which time the infestation could be severe. Regular inspections are the best way to catch termite activity early before extensive damage occurs.
What to Do If You Suspect Termites
If you think you might have termites, don’t wait—act quickly to minimize damage. Here’s what to do:
- Inspect the Area: Look for mud tubes, hollow wood, or other signs mentioned above.
- Contact Alta Pest Control: Our experienced technicians can confirm whether termites are present and provide a thorough inspection.
- Schedule Treatment: Alta Pest Control exclusively uses the Sentricon Always Active® system, a highly effective and environmentally friendly method to eliminate termite colonies and protect your home year-round.
Preventing Future Infestations
Once your home is termite-free, it’s essential to keep it that way. Alta Pest Control offers proactive prevention solutions, including:
- Regular inspections to catch signs of termites early.
- Year-round protection with the Sentricon Always Active® system.
- Guidance on keeping your home termite-resistant by improving drainage and sealing cracks.
Alta’s Termite Control Services
If you are dealing with a termite infestation, it is important to contact us for professional termite control services. We’re experienced in dealing with all types of termite damage and can help you get your home back in tip-top shape in no time.
Dealing With a Termite Infestation? Contact Us Today!
Contact Alta Pest Control for professional termite control services. Our trained technicians only use the safest and most advanced methods of pest control within your home or business. We are experienced in dealing with all types of termite damage and can help you get your home back in tip-top shape in no time.
Contact Alta Pest Control today by calling 866-201-7787 or by filling out a contact form on our website.
FAQs
What are the signs of a termite infestation?
– Termite swarmers
– Mud tubes
– Wood damage
How do I get rid of termites?
– Use pesticides
– Destroy the nest
– Trenching
– Use treated wood
– Keep your home clean and dry
– Store firewood away from your home
What is the best way to prevent termite damage in the future?
– Use treated wood
– Keep your home clean and dry
– Store firewood away from your home
– Contact a professional termite control service
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