Of the many pests that affect Worcester property owners, none are as feared as the termite. Termites are considered to be much more than a nuisance thanks to their ability to create nearly unmatched property damage given enough time, which is why it's critical to be proactive about identifying termite activity.
Termites are white and look similar to ants. However, due to their habit of burrowing into wood and similar materials, they are often not seen. They are usually noticed in two specific situations. If it's termite-swarming season, you may notice them flying about. Termite swarmers leave a mature nest to find a mate and start new colonies. Keep in mind that swarms only last about half an hour so they are easy to miss. The other way you may observe termites is if you dig into the wood and discover them within. This can happen if you remove an old stump in the yard or perhaps tear out a wall in your home.
Do You Have An Infestation?
While it's difficult to catch termites in the act since they're not as visible as other pests, that doesn't mean you can't detect an infestation once you know what to look for. To help you get started, we've provided a breakdown of the most common signs of a termite infestation.
- Mud tubes: When termites need to get from the soil to the wood of a structure, they create mud tubes or mud tunnels. They crawl through these to keep from getting dried out by the sun and air. These can sometimes be found on foundation walls in hidden, dark places.
- Wood flooring problems: Sometimes, your wood flooring can experience bubbles or bumps, which can cause water damage. However, it can be a sign of a termite infestation, which is why further investigation is necessary.
- Other wood damage: This is one you have to be especially vigilant about. Usually, this sign means you're already too late to stop a termite infestation. However, the sooner you detect hollow sounds in any part of your home, the better able you are to protect yourself from an infestation out of control.
- Clicking sounds: Termites make a clicking sound when communicating. While performing a perimeter check, be sure to listen to this sound. If you hear it, then it's time to bring in the professionals.
Limit Termite Attraction
At this point, you might be wondering what makes your house attractive to termites. This is a fair question that has a few answers, which are:
- Moisture in the wood: Waterlogged wood or standing water near sources of wood equals a paradise for termites. By limiting the moisture in the area, you greatly diminish the attractiveness of your property.
- Lack of repairs: Termites are especially interested in already damaged properties because it makes their work much easier. Keep the repairs up to date and you'll have a better chance to keep termites away.
- Lack of inspection: The biggest reason why termite infestations go unnoticed is that regular inspections aren't happening. The quicker you notice anything wrong, the more likely it is you can stop a really big problem from happening.
Say Goodbye To Termites With Big Blue Bug Solutions
Despite your best efforts, termites can remain out of sight and therefore out of mind since they are masters at staying hidden. As such, it can be months or years before you even notice there's a problem.
That's why we provide a highly effective termite solution for our customers designed to ensure peace of mind while delivering results you can count on. Whether you already have an active infestation or just want to be sure you don't have one, our team at Big Blue Bug Solutions has you covered every step of the way.
We approach every possible infestation the same way. First, we perform an inspection, and then we come up with a tailored solution specific to your needs.