Signs of a termite infestation can be tough to spot
There are many signs that a home or business has an active termite infestation — you just need to know what they look like and where to look for them! Termites live in colonies, so if you only see one, there are probably more. The best way for homeowners and businesses to stay protected is prevention: inspect your property regularly for termite infestation signs before it gets out of control!
Termites damage the structure of your property
Termites can cause severe damage to your property, including the structure itself. They will eat away at wood and other materials, causing them to become soft and weak. Termites can also eat away at supports for a structure, weakening the very foundations your structure sits on and causing some supports to become unable to hold the weight. In addition, termites often feast on electrical wiring and anything else they find tasty inside your walls and ceilings.
Given their rabid appetites and quick move-in times, termites don't need long before chowing down. So what are the common signs and symptoms of a growing infestation?
Common signs of termite infestation
Termites can be difficult to spot, especially if this is your first time with them. Here are some signs that could indicate a possible active infestation.
- Termite damage under paint or wallpaper
The first thing to check is damage under your paint or wallpaper. Termites can eat through the wood that supports these materials and cause them to bubble or peel off. You may also see pinholes where termites have eaten through the drywall in your home. - Drywall damage caused by termites
Speaking of drywalls, this can be one of the more difficult places to identify termite damage. Termites usually eat their way from the inside out, so by the time small pieces of damage are visible, more damage has likely already occurred. We've already mentioned the small pinholes to search for in drywall. However, soil spots can also indicate termite damage. That's because subterranean termites use soil to fill those small holes. This can make it more difficult to spot and often requires the help of a professional. Discoloration may also be one of the warning signs of termites. Discoloration is often caused by termite droppings (more on that later). - Mud tubes
A sure sign of a termite infestation is mud tubes. Termites can build these tubes from the ground up to the exterior of your home, and they are often a clear indicator of an active problem on your property. Break off a piece of one of these tubes to determine if you have an active infestation. - Droppings
Termites will also leave droppings behind when they're feeding on wood—these look like small pellets and are usually found in areas where they've been feeding or nesting in large numbers. These pellets may indicate a termite infestation, but other pests, such as cockroaches or rodents, can also cause them. To determine if the pellets are from a termite infestation, you should look for other signs or call the experts at Marathon Pest Control. - Discarded wings
If you notice discarded wings around your home, it may signify termite infestation. Adult termites will shed their wings when they are done with them, so t you can use these as an indicator of an active colony on your property. They are often found around window frames, doors, and other areas where you will find moisture.
Termites can cause a lot of damage if left untreated
Termites can be hard to detect and a challenge to get rid of, but with termite control from Marathon Pest Control, you can prevent damage to your property and keep your home or business safe. Combine our termite control services with our termite maintenance program, which is dedicated to keeping your residential or commercial property termite-free for good.
Our experts can also explain our termite prevention plans which utilize powerful Sentricon® bait stations and traditional treatment methods. With regular service from our experienced pest management team, you can ensure your property is protected against the destructive forces of termites and other pests!
Invest in termite control services for your home
If you think your home or business in Magnolia, TX, may be infested with termites, call Marathon Pest Control at (832) 934-7378 as soon as possible or fill out our form. Our team of experts can help identify the problem and provide treatment options to prevent further damage.