Although you may not realize this, termites actually play a key role in our environment. It is often hard for us to see that, since termites cause homeowners millions of dollars in property damage every year. Termites play a big part in breaking down wood and adding nutrients into the soil. When they take over your home however, there is likely nothing on your mind other than getting rid of them to prevent further property damage. Animal Pest Management Services is here to talk about some of the signs that are present when you have a termite infestation on your hands.

Termite Swarmers in House

Swarming termites are responsible for finding a place to start a new colony. They are often mistaken for winged ants, but they leave their colony when the colony is so large they need to start a new one somewhere else. When swarmers are found outside near trees or wood piles, they are better left alone and don’t pose a risk to your home. If you ever see them inside your home, you know for a surety that you have a termite problem in your house somewhere. As the swarmers continue to develop, they will start to shed their wings. Any sign of these wings lying around your home is another sure sign of termite activity.

Termite Mud Tubes Around Foundation

Subterranean termites build their nests in the ground and build mud tubes to travel to and from their food source. The mud tubes are usually about the size of a pencil and provide the protection termites need to eat without being detected. It is not wise to break open these tubes to see if there is still termite activity as once they have been broken, termites will often rebuild the tubes or create new ones in more secluded areas.

Termite Damaged Wood

If you find that there are areas of your home where the wood is weakened by damage, this could be caused by termites. When you knock on the wood with a hammer, you will hear a hollow sound because of the tunnels that are running parallel with the grain of the wood. Hopefully, you are finding this damaged wood in the early stages and the effects aren’t emergent.

Finding Live Termites in Your Home

There are times that homeowners find termites themselves crawling through the wood of their home. However, you should know that even if you don’t see the termites themselves, it doesn’t mean that you don’t have a termite problem.

Termite Inspections, Control & Removal in San Bernardino, Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside & San Diego Counties, California

One of the best ways that you can avoid termite damage to your home is with regular pest inspections. The pest professionals at Animal Pest Management Services can provide you with thorough termite inspections that will unearth any termite problems you may have. We have the resources and the training needed to get rid of any termite infestation you may be facing. Our team of pest professionals will work hand in hand with you to prevent any termite colonies from ruining the structure of your home. Call us today!