In the springtime, termites spread far and wide through a behavior known as swarming. Young termites, known as “alates,” grow wings, then disperse from their homes to build new colonies. Once they’ve found a suitable location, they start setting up camp. This typically happens outside, but they can be misdirected and swarm indoors. It’s crucial to make sure your home is well sealed during termite season so you don’t inadvertently make a home for a termite colony. Here’s how to check for a termite swarm:
Audible Signs of Termite Swarms
Chances are, you’ll start hearing termites before you see visual signs. Termites can make noisy clicking or tapping sounds as they go about their business within your walls. If you hear sounds like this coming from your walls, try tapping on the wall. Check to see if the wood sounds hollow. If it does, that’s a sign that you have a termite infestation.
Visual Signs of Termite Swarms
When you start seeing signs of termite, you likely have a widespread infestation. You start by seeing their frass, which is essentially their droppings. Frass looks like sawdust, and it can be dark or light in color depending on the type of termites you have. Other visual signs of termites include discarded wings near windows and doors and mud tubes on your walls and near the foundation of your home.
Hiring a Professional for Termite Inspection
Even though termites manifest in the walls, signs of them become apparent when you have a major infestation. However, they can hide for a long period of time before the infestation gets that far. Regular termite inspections can give you peace of mind and, if caught early, termite control can be done through spot treatments. If you determine you have an infestation in your home, a professional inspection will show you the extent of the infestation and damage they have caused.
Tips for Preventing Termite Infestations
Termites are notorious for their wood-eating ways, but they don’t go after all wood. They prefer rotting wood or wood with a high moisture content. Therefore, the best way to prevent them from infesting your home is keeping up with the wooden structures in your home. This means regular inspections and maintenance of these structures. It also means eliminating moisture sources like leaks and standing water from your home.
Termites do billions of damage to homes and businesses every year, so it’s crucial to spot an infestation before termites take over. The Pompano Beach termite control team at Command Pest Control, a veteran-owned company with a 20-year history of exceptional service, is here to help. Call us at 954-943-0008 or contact us online to schedule a free inspection.
