Despite the size of termites, they can do severe damage to your house. Termites can cause destruction to homes and even commercial buildings. Ignoring the signs of a termite infestation can lead to significant damage. If you are a homeowner, you must be vigilant and be aware of what exactly to look for. Also, you must know when to contact experts in pest control in Shreveport, LA. The following are signs of termite infestations:
Termite Droppings
Termite droppings are also known as frass. These droppings are small enough that you may not notice them easily. But they are usually found in mounds with several tiny pallets. You may see them as a sawdust collection or a fine powder. But they often accumulate at the termite tunnel’s entrance.
Hollow Wood Parts
Termites yield significant power in swarms, eating their way through thick and big wood. They create small networks of tunnels in solid wood. These networks of tunnels run parallel to the grain of the wood, weakening the wood itself. You only know the wood is hollowed out when you touch it. As a homeowner, make sure to examine your window frames and wooden door to make sure regularly.
Termite Wings
When termites mature, they tend to develop wings, becoming swarmers. These swarmers will flee the colony to find a mate and establish a new colony. That is why you may find these swarmers inside your home, finding the best spot to set up camp. Also, they lose their wings after they have settled in. If you find discarded termite wings inside or outside your home, this means an infestation is looming.
Carcasses
Dead termites can be seen in areas near door frames and windows. When you see this evidence of termites, take action right away. Often, these pests are not easy to spot and nest in secluded areas in your home. If you find termite carcasses, inspect them first, so you don’t mistake them for white ants. Termites feature straight antennae while ants have bent antennae. Also, termites have a bigger or fatter waist part than house ants.
Mud Tubes
Termites build mud tubes, so they can easily navigate between an infested wood and their nests. This means that termites only visit the wood they have infested to feed and return to their nest once full. They use mud tubes to safely travel to and from the wood. They make these tubes using wood and soil.
