Termites can be a major problem for your Rock Island home, especially if an infestation is left to grow out of control. Keep an eye out for these key signs when checking your property to ensure these pests are taken care of as soon as possible.
Identifying Termites
Termites are small insects that grow to about one-eighth of an inch in length. They range in color from cream and tan to a more dark brown depending on their age and role in the colony (they may be either workers, soldiers, or reproductives). The two main species are drywood termites, which prefer to burrow deep into the wooden structures of your home, and subterranean termites, which prefer burrowing underground or into moist wood.
Because termites can chew wood 24 hours a day, seven days a week, they can cause a significant amount of damage for property owners. These damages can be costly or even impossible to repair and may even result in dangerous structure collapses.
It can be hard to spot signs of termites at first because these pests work their way into the hidden wooden areas of your home and get to work chewing, virtually undetected. Most homeowners don’t notice a problem until signs of damage start to show, and by then, an infestation is well underway. It is important to look out for signs of termites and utilize annual professional inspections to stop termite problems before they become much worse.
Signs Of Termite Problems
The following signs of termite problems are essential to watch out for if you want to keep your Rock Island property protected from these pests.
As termites eat away at the wood in your home, they will kick back their droppings which are known as “frass.” Frass will be small and pellet-shaped and can look very similar to piles of wood shavings. You can find frass along baseboards, near door frames, on windowsills, or near any area where termites are tunneling in your house.
When termites are hollowing out the wood in your home, it will begin to warp, resulting in tight-fitting doors and windows, sinking floors, or a hollow sound in your walls. Over time, this wood warping may lead to collapse or seriously expensive damage.
Swarmers are termites that emerge from their colony into the open area for a brief period and only once or twice a year. If you see swarmer termites on your property, it is a pretty significant sign of an infestation. You may also find discarded wings around your property as a result of a termite swarm.
Mud tubes outside of your home may indicate the presence of subterranean termites. These pests build mud tubes to connect from their underground nests to food sources in your home. An abundance of mud tubes around your property means that you may have a serious infestation ongoing.
Professional Termite Removal
Don’t waste your time and money on DIY methods if you see signs of termites on your property. Call the professionals at Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators right away to get targeted solutions that eliminate termites right at the source. With the help of our experts, you can reclaim your home from termites and live pest-free in no time.