Termites are small, wingless, and soft-bodied insects belonging to Isoptera and infest wood or related material. These pests can cause structural damage to buildings by boring through them and feeding on the wood. Termites are often confused for other insects such as ants or roaches because they live in colonies like many other well-known insects.
If you think your home’s withering away in a dry, lifeless place, it may be time to check your house for signs of a potential termite problem. You can’t always see or hear these pests, but some telltale signs indicate if they’ve invaded your home. Unfortunately, most people don’t know what is pest control due to which they face the problem. If you spot any of the following eight symptoms, you should call the exterminator immediately because these pests get ahead of themselves fast.
- You See a Swarm of Ants and It’s Not the First Time
Ants are attracted to moisture, so if you see hundreds of ants in your home and they aren’t coming from a specific source like a leaky pipe or water filter, the problem may be with termites. Termites eat wood, which often makes them home in cracks or holes, and they leave behind a pheromone trail that attracts other ants to join them. You might also notice actual termite wings around your house or holes that ants crawl into.
- You Find Lots of Beetles in Your Home
You’ve probably seen some of these bugs already, but if you see an unusual number of beetles in your house, they could be an indication of a termite infestation. These beetles often eat wood which termites feed on as well, so you’ll often see them around the same places where you find termites. If you discover a colony of termites eating your wood, then the beetles will leave behind a pheromone trail for other pests to follow.
- You See a Sticky Film on Your Faucet or Sink
You might see this film on any surface, but it’s often on pipes that you can check for termite damage. If you find the film around pipes and fittings, then an infestation of termites is possible because they like to feast on wood as well.
- You See Tons of Termites in Your Home
Termites don’t like to be exposed to light or cold, so they’ll often hide from the sight of humans and their flashlights. But if you spot a mass infestation that’s visible, then these pests may have entered your home.
- You Hear an Unusual Whistling Sound
Some termites make sounds different from the typical wood creaking and cracking noises. These insects have a wing, which, when they move together, create a high-pitched whistling sound. If you hear this noise, get to your exterminator because it could signify termites.
- You See Lots of Sawdust Outside Your House
Termites often never go indoors, but they need to warm up and dry off after a good feast of wood. You might spot a lot of sawdust on your home’s exterior if there’s a termite infestation in your house or even in the area.
- You See Large, Moldy Cracks in Your Walls
These cracks can be signs of termites, but they can also be caused by foundation settlement and other issues. If you notice that these cracks are spreading, then it could mean that these pests have invaded your home. Call an exterminator as soon as possible to identify the cause.
- You See an Entry Hole in Your Walls
If you spot these entry holes, then there’s a good chance that the problem is with termites because they love to eat wood and structural beams. The same goes for holes or cracks in your walls, especially if you find them in places where the pests like to travel. If you see any of these signs, call your local exterminator as soon as possible for help.
If you notice any of these signs, then it’s essential to call an exterminator as soon as possible. In addition, it’s a good idea to check with your local pest control provider and get the most accurate and professional services for your home and family. Termites can get ahead of themselves fast, and they can destroy your property from the inside out.
