Homeowners should know the signs of a termite problem. Experts say termites are the biggest threat to wood structures in this country. According to the National Pest Management Association, termites costs Americans five billion dollars a year. There are two types of termites to look out for, subterranean and drywood. Subterranean termites live in the soil whereas drywood termites live in the frames, steps and other wood of a home. Further, many people believe termites are only active in the spring but they are active all year.
Signs of termite damage include:
1. hollow sounding wood
2. groups of winged insects or discarded wings
3. wooden areas with cracked paint
4. mud tubes on outside walls
5. frass
Termites don’t like to operate out in the open. Therefore, they tunnel inside a piece of wood and eat from the inside out. That is why wood may sound hollow. Further, termites swarm in groups to build new homes in the spring. If you see a group of winged insects call Wildcat Exterminating Inc. This company has experience and will treat the home for termites. Drywood termites can get into wood through areas as small as a pinhead.
In fact, all noticeable cracks in the wood should be sealed. In addition, mud tubes are signs of subterranean termites. They build the tubes to provide moisture while they are looking for food. Also, drywood termites leave wood-colored droppings called frass behind. Call professional exterminators like Wildcat Exterminating if any of these signs are present.
Exterminators use different ways to get rid of termites. Termite baits are a widely used method of extermination. Baits are placed around a home and kill off the colony of termites by spreading pesticides through the colony. Specialists often get rid of subterranean termites by spraying the soil around and under the house. Often, they’ll spray the surfaces of infested wood or inject the poison directly into the wood.
Many pest control companies treat drywood termite infestations with gas fumigation or heat. Termite treatment should be done whenever there is proof of an infestation. The homeowner needs to obtain proper documentation that the infestation was contained. This is important if the house is ever sold.
