If an orange gorilla walked through a room in front of you, would you notice it? Probably. Our minds are keen to pick up things that seem out of place. Certain individuals notice more details than others; it's all about perception and knowledge. But would you be able to spot termites if they invaded your home? Chances are you could spot these pests, but you just don’t know where to start. To help you with this, here are five easy-to-spot signs that give termites away fast.
What You Need To Know About Termites
There are a few different kinds of termite species here in North Carolina, the two biggest groups being dry wood termites and subterranean termites. The biggest difference between these two pests is simply the type of wood they invade.
Drywood termites prefer dry wood that is untreated or lacking a protective coat. Subterranean termites, on the other hand, prefer wood that has been softened by water damage, rot, or decay.
Termite Sign Number 1: Mud Tubes
When subterranean termites invade a home, they look for the shortest path between exterior soil and a home’s wood. If they need to cross stone, concrete, or any other non-wood barrier to get around, termites will build mud tubes. These pencil-sized tunnels are one of the only early signs termites leave to indicate their invasion.
Termite Sign Number 2: A Soft Clicking Sound
Termites are generally quiet pests. That being said, it is possible to hear these tiny wood eaters, but only if you put your ear right up next to a piece of wood they are currently chewing through. If you hear a faint clicking sound, that could be evidence of these creatures chowing down.
Termite Sign Number 3: Frass
Dry wood termites are a lot easier to spot than subterranean termites; partly because these pests push sawdust (frass) out of the holes they chew through homes. This frass usually builds up on the floor near damaged wood or sticks to the wall beneath entry and exit holes.
Termite Sign Number 4: Tight Fitting Doors/Windows
As termite damage becomes more severe inside a home, increasingly obvious signs of structural damage will present themselves. One of these signs is tight-fitting doors and windows, which are a direct result of termites spreading water damage to surrounding wood, causing it to expand.
Termite Sign Number 5: Overly Squeaky Floorboards
When termites tunnel throughout a home, they spread water damage wherever they go. In the case of floorboard water damage, it makes them extra squeaky. If you’ve noticed a gradually worsening squeak as you climb your stairs, walk through your kitchen to compare. Termites could be close by.
What To Do If Your Home Has Termites
Now that you know what signs termites leave behind, let’s talk about your options for treatment. At Pest & Termite Consultants, we always start with a free inspection. If you suspect your home might have termites, or have no clue but still want it examined, we will send one of our qualified technicians out at no cost to you.
If your technician identifies a termite problem, they will inform you and provide four treatment options to choose from. One thing you should know about termite control is that there is no one and done solution; keeping these pests out of your home requires a few regularly scheduled service visits a year.
Contact our team today to start your journey to a termite-free property in Mebane and surrounding areas.