The average house is home to at least 100 species of insects. The good news is that most of them are harmless. Some, however, are considered to be pests.
Take termites, for example; they can cause significant damage to the structure of a building. What’s worse is that the damage often goes unnoticed for many years.
Are you worried that you might have a termite infestation? Want to know what some of the most common signs of termites are? If so, you’re in luck.
We’ll be going over some telltale signs in detail below. Keep reading for more information!
1. Shed Wings
Termite swarmers will eventually leave the nest to find a mate. Once they do, they’ll shed their wings and create a new colony. You may notice these discarded wings near doors or windows as they’re attracted to light.
Depending on the species, they may be grey, brown, or translucent. The size can also vary; however, they’re usually between 1/4 to 1/2 inches long. With that said, the wings of some termites, such as Dampwood swarmers, can reach up to an inch in length.
Contact a professional (e.g. WhyUBuggin pest control) right away if you notice large amounts of discarded wings as it may indicate an infestation.
2. Mud Tubes
Termites are known for building mud tubes—small tunnels that are made from soil and wood. Not only do they use them for transportation, but they also provide them with shelter as they travel between their colony and their food source.
For example, you may find them around window frames, joists, or subfloors.
How can you tell if the mud tubes are active? Break off a small piece with your hands and check for live termites. Even if there aren’t any, check back in a few days. If the tube is repaired when you return, chances are, you have an active infestation.
If the mud tube isn’t repaired, they may have moved to another part of your home.
3. Clicking Noises
Soldier termites bang their heads against the walls of tunnels when they feel threatened or disturbed; it’s their way of signaling danger to other termites in the colony. This often creates a clicking noise that’s audible if you press your ear close to the wall.
You may also notice a rustling or rattling sound if there are worker termites as they tend to make noises as they tunnel through the wood. Generally speaking, the closer they are to the surface of your wall, the louder the noise will be.
Recognizing the Most Common Signs of Termites
There are many signs of termites that you can watch for, from discarded wings to clicking noises. If you think you may have an infestation, call pest control right away—they’ll know what to do to fix the problem.
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