When termites strike, they do so silently. Usually, they keep infesting away without being noticed. However, damage caused by an infestation usually takes a long time to accumulate. This gives you a good chance to take care of the problem before it gets out of hand.
A few signs that termites might be present in your property are the following:
A heap of discarded wings nearby is a sign that an active colony is nearby.
If you find a swarm of flying termites, it means that there are near or inside your home.
Hollow wood or cracked wood is one of the quintessential signs that you might have a termite problem. This problem might not be as noticeable as one would like, and once the damage is done there’s not going back. It’s important to always keep an eye on the condition of any property that might be damaged by termites.
Another sign is to look for termite droppings, better known as frass. Frass looks like tiny, round pellets. If you find a pile--even if small--in your home, it’s best to assume drywood termites are infesting nearby.
If you have noticed any of these signs, you might have a termite problem. Now, there are different types of termites that affect your home. It is advisable to know the type of termite infestation you might need to combat.
Subterranean termites are the most common. Unfortunately for us, they tend to cause a lot of damage. They are widespread and almost invisible, infesting without being noticed.
Drywood termite is the second most common type in the US. They prefer warmer climates like ours. They form nests in the same wood they are consuming. These termites are easier to notice and are not so widespread.
Dampwood termites prefer structures built close to water. These termites prefer humid climates and eat wood with significant amount of moisture.
Formosan termites are the most damaging. They are subterranean and feast on cellulose matter, which means that they can infest wood, drywall and cardboard.
After an inspection by a professional, you will know which type of treatment you might need. This will largely depend on the type of termite infesting your property. For example, to combat subterranean termites, treatments are spraying liquid termiticides or setting up baiting stations. However, there are other factors to consider when deciding on the treatment, such as the size of the infestation, the construction of the infested structure, and the layout of the surrounding area.
It is important to be advised on the treatment by a termite control professional. After all, a termite problem will affect your home inspection. For more information on termite treatments, check out this link.