Termites typically live in colonies underneath the ground. They usually emerge when the ground thaws and enter homes through cracks. According to the National Pest Management Association, termites are responsible for approximately $5 billion worth of damage every year. They are typically also called "silent invaders" -- and for good reason too. If you aren't careful, they could be invading your home without you even knowing. Below are going to be some key facts about termites and what to look for when you're searching for signs you have termites:
How Long Does a Termite Live?
This is a very common question that many people ask. Termites are great survivors, considering they live in soil where they are exposed to a multitude of predators. Studies have shown that queen termites can live up to 10 years under ideal conditions. Soldiers and workers can live up to two years.
Where Can Termites Live?
There are three major types of termites: subterranean, damp wood, and dry wood. All of them thrive in their respective habitats. Dry wood termites live in dry woods. On the other hand, damp wood termites thrive in moisture damaged wood and damp soil. Subterranean termites thrive in damp soil and are commonly found in areas when there is a lot of moisture and wood.
In recent years, termites have established their nests in homes. In-house termite infestation has largely been attributed by availability of wood, high moisture levels, as well as guaranteed protection from predators. Homeowners should be very careful and constantly look for signs of termites due to how much damage they can cause if they aren't detected.
Signs You Have Termites
1. Presence of Wings
Reproductive termites commonly referred to as "swarmers" usually take flight when looking for places to establish new colonies. Subterranean termites usually swarm during spring season. Therefore, if you notice a presence of discarded wings in your home, then that is a red flag that termites have invaded your home.
2. Hollow Wood and Sagging Floors
Termites usually burrow into wood in honeycomb patterns without coming close to the surface. That is the main reason why it is very difficult to detect the presence of termites in your home. They usually compromise the structural integrity of the wood, making it weaker. The result of these termites compromising the infrastructure of your home are sagging floors and hollow wood sounds. You need to conduct regular checks to see if there are signs of sagging floors or hollow woods.
3. Presence of Tree Nest
Some termite species usually make their nests in the hollow center of a tree trunk or root. This makes it extremely difficult to notice them. However, when the nest becomes fully operational, it typically becomes visible from outside. If the nest has aggravated a large chunk of mud, then that is a clear sign that termites have invaded your home space.
4. Presence of Termite Frass
Termite droppings are referred to as termite frass. If you notice there are tiny pellets outside or near your home, that is typically a sign of termite frass and may give you an indicator of where they are colonized.
Termites have caused massive destruction in many people's homes throughout the past decades. That's why it's key to know how to detect signs you have termites and know what to look for, before it's too late. These were 4 easy ways to detect if whether your home has been infested with termites. Once you spot one of these signs, you should contact professionals such as Preventive Pest Control to give you a thorough consultation to look at what your options will be. Good luck!
