There could be thousands of tiny invaders silently lurking within the walls of your home right this minute. These insatiable critters band together to chew their way through your property, leaving devastating damage in their wake before you even know they’ve moved in. Who are these miniature trespassers with a knack for destruction?
Termites.
Every year, termites cause billions of dollars in property damage. To make matters worse, most instances of termite damage aren’t covered by standard homeowner insurance policies because termites are categorized as a preventable problem. When it’s all said and done, a termite infestation can weigh you down with a hefty repair bill.
But all hope isn’t lost. With the right maintenance plan, you can keep your home or business safe from termites. As part of that maintenance routine, learn to spot the early warning signs of a termite infestation.
If you think you may have termites or it’s time for your next termite inspection, reach out to Smash Pest Control. Our technicians are highly skilled and trained to identify termite infestations in their earliest stages. Call us today at 615-581-7473 or request your free estimate online. We’ll stop your infestation in its tracks and SMASH your expectations!
Common Signs of a Termite Infestation
Early intervention is the key to effectively eliminating termites and limiting property damage. But if you’re not familiar with the signs of a budding infestation, how will you know a problem is brewing? Termites won’t announce their arrival, and you’ll have to keep an eye out for more subtle clues like the following:
- Termite swarms. Flying bugs are prevalent in Middle Tennessee and you may notice an uptick in insect activity as the weather warms up. This is the time of year when reproductively mature termites take to the skies to mate and establish their own colonies. Although swarming termites aren’t necessarily an indication of an active infestation, it is a warning that termite scouts are on the lookout for new areas to nest.
- Shed wings. After mating, reproductive termites shed their wings. If you see loose wings near the foundation of your house, windowsills, doors, or other entry points, it could point to the presence of a termite colony nearby.
- Mud tubes. Subterranean termites are the most common termites in Middle Tennessee. They often build mud tubes as tunnels to access their food source. Mud tubes are usually found near the foundation of a property.
- Sticky windows and doors. Termites will damage wooden structures and framing around your home or business leading to misaligned doors and windows that are harder to open and close.
- Hollowed-out wood. Termites feed on wood from the inside out, creating the illusion of a healthy structure with just a painted facade or a barely-there wood veneer hiding the damage underneath. Knock or tap on wood suspected of termite damage – a hollow or papery sound may signal a potential infestation.
- Paint or drywall problems. When subterranean termites tunnel through painted wood, it may cause the paint on those surfaces to blister or bubble. If you have wallpaper, you may notice that it’s peeling.
- “White” ants. Termites are similar in shape and size to ants and they are often mistaken for them. But most ant species are black or dark brown, while termites are distinguishable by their lighter coloring. If you see pale or off-white ants, they may actually be termites.
I Think I Have Termites in My Home…What Should I Do?
You’ve found evidence that you might have a termite problem on your hands. It’s not ideal, but there is no reason to panic…yet. However, you should take swift action to avoid substantial damage to your home or business.
First of all, you need to confirm that you do indeed have termites. So before you head to your local home goods store for DIY termiticides, contact the professionals at Smash Pest Control.
Our team of trained technicians can accurately identify the pest in question and will come up with a plan that is specifically tailored to suit your needs. From there, we’ll work together to clear your property of these wood-hungry assailants.
Don’t Ignore Termite Warning Signs – Call Smash Pest Control
Termites are notoriously hard to get rid of, but with the combination of Smash Pest Control’s expertise and your cooperation, we’re confident that we can tackle your pest problem. The minute you see signs of a termite infestation, don’t wait to get in touch with us. Reach out to Smash Pest Control at 615-581-7473 to schedule a termite inspection. Want to get a free estimate first? Click here.
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