Termites eat wood from the inside out, often going undetected and causing billions of dollars in damage each year for homeowners! It’s extremely important to understand the early signs of a termite infestation so you can avoid their damage. Let’s review the early signs of termites and preventative measures you can use on your property to prevent them in the first place.
Early Signs of Termites in Florida
Noticing signs of termites is a good indicator that a well-established colony is nearby or even established in your home. Here are common signs of termites to look out for:
- Wings: Flying termites, or swarming termites, leave the nest to find a mate and establish a new colony. This swarming season can take place as early as February. Once these termites find a mate, they will lose their wings. You can often find swarming termite wings near doors and windowsills.
- Warping: Subterranean termites produce moisture when they tunnel in wood, causing it to warp. This can make it difficult to open doors and windows and will often look like water damage.
- Wood Damage: Termites will consume wood from the inside out, hiding their damage for a long time. You can determine if wood has been damaged by termites by tapping on it. If it makes a hollow or papery sound, it’s likely you have a termite infestation.
- Mud tubes: Subterranean termites build mud tubes for moisture and protection from predators. You can often find them near home foundations, made of tiny pieces of soil, wood, and debris.
- Frass: Frass is another name for drywood termite feces. They will often leave behind their frass near entrances to their nests, often looking like piles of pellets near the sites of infestation or damage.
If you’ve noticed these termite signs on your property, call an Adamsville pest control company near you to learn more about termite control options. These professionals will provide you with a thorough home inspection and a comprehensive termite protection and treatment plan.
