There are 1.4 billion insects for each person on the planet! Given that, it’s not surprising to know that many wander into our homes.
Fortunately, most of these creepy crawlies are harmless. There are some, however, that are considered to be pests.
Take termites, for example, they cause billions of dollars in property damage each year.
Think you might have an infestation? Want to know what the early warning signs of termites are? Then you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading for everything that you need to know about the topic!
What Are Termites?
Termites are winged insects that feed on wood. For this reason, they can cause considerable damage to houses. For example, they can destroy walls, ceilings, and furniture. If you do not take the necessary precautions to eliminate pests like termites, they can cause significant financial losses. It is therefore important to know how to identify and deal with termites to protect your home.
While there are variations in size and color between species, most are white or light brown in color.
5 Signs of Termites That You Should Know About
The sooner you treat a termite infestation, the less damage they’ll do. Here are some early warning signs that there are some lurking in your home.
1. Discarded Wings
Winged termites will discard their wings after leaving the nest to create a new colony; this usually happens once they find a mate. Appearance-wise, they can vary from being translucent to a brown or grey color.
If you notice any discarded wings near windows, doors, or vents, you probably have an infestation.
2. Droppings
Termite feces resemble coffee grounds or sawdust. They’re often found as small mounds as they like to kick them out of their workspace to keep their tunnels free and clear.
3. Clicking Sounds
Termites have a tendency to bang their heads against their tunnels when they sense danger. As a result, you might notice a soft, clicking sound.
Depending on the size of the infestation, you may also be able to hear the sound of workers chewing at the wood. In some cases, termite fumigation might be necessary. Here's what to know about the process.
4. Mud Tubes
Termites use the wood that they consume to create ‘mud tubes’. Not only do they provide them with shelter and protection, but they also allow them to move between their homes and their food source.
They’re often seen along cracks in baseboards or flooring, which makes them difficult to detect.
5. White Ants
Termites are often mistaken for ‘white ants’ as they have a similar body shape. Keep in mind, however, that there are no species of ants that are completely white.
What you’re seeing instead are most likely termites.
Identifying Termites In the House
There are several signs of termites that you can watch for. To prevent property damage, it's highly recommended that you call a pest control company as soon as possible. Don't wait for the problem to worsen before taking action!
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