The Most Common Signs of a Termite Infestation
March 21st was the first day of spring. Along with increased rain and the growth of flowers and greenery, springtime is also termite swarm season. There are many reasons that springtime is when we tend to see more termite infestations than any other time of the year. First, temperatures start to increase after the cold winters in Michigan and Ohio, and these pests are drawn to warmer temperatures and higher moisture levels. However, as spring rainstorms tend to hit, termites tend to seek shelter and food within our properties. All of our exterminators at Frame’s Pest Control are Associate Certified Entomologists, and we’ve put together a guide listing the most common signs of a termite infestation to help you detect one early and prevent serious property damage.
The First (& Typically Only) Sign: Discarded Wings
Before they’re matured, termites have wings. However, the minute they leave their nest to start a new colony, termites shed their wings. Anytime you find piles of wings, it’s a good indication that you’re dealing with a termite infestation. Because they’re attracted to light, you’ll typically find these piles near the windows in your basement or even within cobwebs or spiderwebs throughout your home.
Termite Swarms
During the process of finding new colonies, termites swarm as they travel around your property before settling into a new colony site. This typically occurs in the springtime, when the weather is warm after a rainstorm. Other times that termites swarm are when they are matured and are leaving the nest to start a new colony. This is typically the only way homeowners see actual termites instead of just signs they are present in their property.
Frass
If you’re looking for a tell-tale sign of a termite infestation, frass—or termite droppings—is definitely something to be on the lookout for. Frass tends to look like piles of sawdust or wood shavings. Piles are typically found anywhere wood is present in your home—typically attics, pantries, cabinetry, etc.
Bubbling or Uneven Paint
Excess moisture can cause your paint to peel or raise and form bubbles. While this can be a common sign that you have water damage, termites are attracted to access moisture, and bubbling or uneven paint can be a sign that they are present.
Damaged Wood
Termites eat wood. However, they travel from the inside out, which hollows out your wood as they eat through it. Any time you can tap and hear hollow wood, or if you notice blistering wood, there’s a good chance you have a termite infestation. We recommend checking for cracks in door dams and cornices.
Additionally, if you have any moisture-damaged wood on your property, it can attract subterranean termites. Be sure to check around your property and then call us for a termite inspection.
Mud Tubes
If you have a subterranean termite infestation, there will be mud tubes that they use to travel from their nests to food sources. These tubes are tiny in size—no bigger than pencil-width—and they retain moisture to prevent the termite colonies from drying out. These tubes are mostly found within your home’s foundation or dark corners of your property.
Banging Noises
Have you heard subtle banging coming from within your walls? It could be your pipes and a plumbing issue. But it could also be a termite infestation. When there are signs of danger or a threat to the colony, soldier termites bang their heads against the wood to signal the threat to other termites within the colony.
Call Us to Get Rid of These Pesky Pests
If you suspect that you’re dealing with a termite infestation, be sure to call Frame’s Pest Control right away. We’ll perform a thorough inspection of your property, determine the specific type of termite you’re dealing with, and make a customized treatment plan to ensure that we rid your home of the infestation and prevent termites from entering your home again.
Call (419) 495-8283 or contact us online to receive a free estimate.