While finding any pest in your home or business is stressful, one of the absolute worst of them all is the termite. These notorious creatures are able to chew through wood, and this is bad news for anyone who has an infestation. Termites are one of the most destructive pests in the Crestview area, and they can cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
Why Termite Damage Is So Extensive
The main reason why termite damage can be so extensive is that termites are challenging to identify. They will live inside walls and under flooring, and you might not even realize you have termites for months or years after damage has begun. These pests will be living inside your property, chewing through all kinds of wooden materials 24/7, and you can end up spending thousands of dollars to repair things like floors, structural beams, drywall, and more.
Because termites are so challenging to spot, this guide is here to provide you with all you need to know on identifying these pests and spotting signs of termite activity.
What Do Termites Look Like?
While you might not notice the actual termites at first, it’s still good to know how to identify them. The worker and soldier termites don’t have wings and resemble cream-colored ants. You aren’t very likely to see these.
The termite swarmers, however, have wings and will leave the nest at times to reproduce. They are dark brown to black and look like flying ants.
The Simplest Way To Spot Termite Activity Early
Unfortunately, even with knowing how to identify termites, the infestation could go on for a while without you seeing even a termite swarmer. Since this is the case, it’s vital to take the time to know the other signs of termite activity and to keep an eye out for these signs throughout the year. While termites tend to come out in the open during swarming seasons, the termites within the colony are active year-round, regardless of the outside temperatures.
This means that checking for termites is a regular task you should incorporate into your life. Some signs of termite activity that you should watch out for include: Buckling and squeaking floorboards
- Tiny holes around wooden items
- Drooping or discolored drywall
- Water damaged wallpaper and walls without any actual water source
- Doors and windows fitting tightly in their frames
- Small piles of wood pellets, called frass, next to wooden items
- A clicking noise inside the walls
The best and easiest way to spot termite activity at the start is with annual professional inspections. These comprehensive inspections are thorough, and taking the time to have professional pest control experts check out your home, in combination with your own efforts, is key to termite control.
What To Do If You See Signs Of Termites
If you’ve already notice termites around, don’t waste your time and effort trying to remove them. They are one of the most evasive and also invasive pests around, and the simplest and most cost-effective way to eradicate them is with help from Cadenhead Services Pest Control.
We have the tools and experience necessary to spot termite activity early on and to swiftly remove current infestations. We can also help ensure termites don't reappear.
Give us a call today to learn more about our termite control options and request an inspection.