Imagine for a second that you live next to a buffet and that you’re best friends with the owner, who says you’re welcome to eat for free anytime. How often would you take them up on that offer? Unfortunately, the same is true for termites. When these pests settle down on a property, all they can think about is the free food. To help you identify these pests around your property and know if they are trying to get a free buffet from your home’s wood, here are a few telltale signs of a termite infestation you should know.
What Are Termites?
Termites are wood-eating pests that live in large colonies. Subterranean termites, the most common species of termites around Phoenix, live deep underground and use an intricate system of tunnels to travel around properties and gather sources of cellulose. What is cellulose? It is the main chemical compound found inside wood. To keep their colonies well-fed, termites will search area properties for things like wet cardboard, damp newspaper, firewood, and structural wood that is water-damaged, rotting, or in decay.
Termite Mud Tubes
The first and most obvious sign of a termite infestation is mud tubes. Termites construct these pencil-sized sheltered pathways up the side of homes to get from surface soil to structural wood higher up. The main purpose of these tubes is to keep termites moist as they move from damp soil to water-damaged wood. Termites will not build mud tubes if the wood of your home directly touches exterior soil. Furthermore, cracks and gaps running up your home’s foundation provide these pests with another safe way to climb upwards.
Termite Related Moisture Damage
The longer a termite infestation is allowed to chew its way through a home, the more damage occurs. One noticeable damage these pests cause is moisture damage. If you didn’t know, an excess of moisture within the walls and structure of a building often leads to a considerable amount of issues. Some of the most obvious issues termite related moisture damage causes around homes include tight-fitting doors and windows, sagging drywall, bubbling paint/wallpaper, and overly squeaky floorboards.
Termite Swarmers
Once a year fully mature colonies of termites produce swarmers. These winged reproductive pests have all of the equipment needed to establish nests and begin the reproduction process to make new workers. When found inside a home, swarmers are a clear indication of a current termite infestation. Identify one of these invasive pests by its white, ant-like body, and by the long oval wings that it discards on window sills and near exterior doors.
How To Effectively Prevent Termites
Several methods help reduce a home’s chances of a termite infestation such as addressing moisture issues, fixing water-damaged wood, and proper yard cleanup and management. These strategies, however, do not guarantee termites will stay off your property. The only way to make sure of this is to hire a professional. At Arizona’s Exterminator Company, we offer comprehensive year-round protection plans designed to effectively handle termite problems. These plans include seasonal maintenance and termite tracking to ensure your home has the absolute best protection possible.
One thing most homeowners do not know is that termite damage isn’t covered by insurance. The only way to guarantee your wallet isn’t emptied by these destructive pests is to take action yourself. Call our team today at (623) 294-3063 to find out more about our comprehensive termite control, and find your best solution for this pest problem.