Termites are a highly destructive pest problem that can turn into a nightmare for any homeowner – especially if they aren’t aware of the problem until it is too late. The best prevention is to have your home inspected to look for signs that you have termite activity. But if you see any of these things, it is a good idea to call for residential termite treatment in Detroit, MI to head up any real and substantial damage.
Blistering of Your Wood Flooring
When termites lurk below hardwood flooring in your home, you might start to notice tiny blisters. Subterranean termites especially will leave damage to your subfloor. When they do, it might start to look like your wood floor has water damage.
Damaged or Hollowed Wood
Termites can leave damage behind on surfaces like floors, walls – really anywhere that they begin to take hold. Termites chew to find cellulose in wood, which leaves behind tiny tunnels or grooves. As the grooves deepen, they can weaken wood structures and cause substantial and costly damage. If you see signs of hollowed wood that looks like a honeycomb, or wood that has a hollow or empty sound, it is time to call a termite company!
Signs of Swarms
Termites will discard their wings and can be found near doors, window casings, and any other vulnerable places where termites can find their way indoors. They are called swarms because the wings are left behind when they “swarm” out of their nests to find a new colony to join. As they land, they have to twist off their wings because they no longer need them.
Mud Tubes
Mud tubes, about the size of a pencil, will be found where the ground and your house meet. Termites nest underground and then they have to forage up to find food, which is usually found in a tree or home structure. Subterranean termites need high temperatures and high humidity to survive, so their tunnels are used to block out dry and cool areas so they can survive in places like your home’s structure.
Termite Droppings
Drywood termites are the type that nest in wood. They tunnel and eat the wood as they are infesting it, and in the interim they create galleries that they seek to keep clean. They do so by creating kick holes that remove their droppings. When termites eat wood, they excrete wood that forms into pellets. The pellets look like coffee grounds or sawdust and might indicate that you have a termite issue.
Termites are pests that can do a whole lot of damage to the structural integrity of your home. Often, they can build colonies without you even knowing, which is why a regular inspection to look for signs is a great idea for preventative measures. However, if you see signs that indicate you have termites, it is essential that you call a residential termite treatment Detroit, MI company to handle your home before the damage becomes extensive and costly. Contact Pestway to schedule your termite inspection or service today!