Most home and business owners have never actually seen a termite. The truth is that these insects rarely expose themselves by traveling out in the open, and are therefore hardly ever seen by property owners. So, if you never actually see a termite, how do you know if you have a termite problem? Fortunately, there are some common signs of termites that can help you detect termites on your property. Below are some useful tips on how to detect termites in your home or office building.
Test Wood for Termite Damage
Test your walls, window sills and door jambs for termite damage by tapping the wood with the head of a screwdriver. If the screwdriver breaks through the wood or if you hear a hollow sound when you tap it with the handle, you may have a termite problem.
Look for Common Signs of Infestation
The following are a few common signs of a termite infestation that can clue you in to termite problems in your home or office:
- Mud tubes and tunnels: Because termites don’t like to move around in the open, they build mud tubes and tunnels to move around in. These may appear on a building’s exterior walls, or even on the concrete in your driveway, patio or walkways leading up to the structure
- Mazes: When termites move inside walls to find new sources of food, they leave a thin grayish brown film trail on the surface. This film may leave a honeycombed appearance that looks like a maze on the interior and exterior walls of your home or office. This is a sure sign of a termite infestation.
- Wings of Swarmers: The only time termites come out into the open is when their reproductive members “swarm,” or leave the nest to mate and start new colonies, which primarily occurs in the springtime. Be on the lookout for piles of silvery colored wings of swarmers inside or outside of your home or office building.
If you see any of the signs of termites listed above, it is in your best interests to call a professional exterminator right away. For more information on how to detect termites in your home or office, or to receive a FREE termite inspection from the professionals at ACTION Termite Control, call (877) 556-4131 now.
