Spotting termite problems isn’t as easy as you might think. These hard-working pests work day and night to destroy the structural wood on your property but rarely give any signs of their presence until the infestation has reached massive size. The resulting damage can be devastating and cost thousands of dollars to repair. That’s why you need to know how to spot termite damage on your Mobile property.
What To Know About Termites
Termites are some of the natural world’s best recyclers. They help to break down decaying plants and trees into healthy soil for future vegetation to enjoy. Not only do termites get rid of old plant life, but they also help pave the way for the new generation. Also, termites can be a crucial source of food for birds, reptiles, and other wildlife.
But as commendable as their work may be in the wild, they aren’t so admirable indoors. Termites in Mobile can cause a variety of problems on your property. At minimum, they may cause paint and wallpaper to bubble up and doors and windows to jam. At worst, a termite infestation can result in total collapse of walls and flooring.
Every year, Americans spend billions on expensive termite repairs. And as painful as paying for termite repairs can be, you can reduce the chances of extreme damage by knowing the signs of termite activity.
Why Termites Are Hard To Spot
Pests like wasps and flies don’t make any excuses for their presence on your property and will gladly buzz around in your face. But termites are much more discreet than your average household pest. Termites do their work inside walls, floors, and underground colonies where you can’t see. They tend to be silent and slow in their approach to destruction, so visible damage could take months to appear.
The best way to make sure that your property is termite-free is with scheduled annual inspections from a trusted pest control expert. Even if you aren’t seeing signs of termite activity, a professional can identify signs that you might not. And paying for inspections now is much cheaper than paying for repairs later.
Signs Of Termite Activity
Being on the lookout for signs of termite activity is important. Recognizing these signs and taking action quickly can help stop expensive termite damage. Some reliable signs of termite activity to look out for on your Mobile property include:
- Termite swarmers – If you see flying termites swarming on your property, it’s a sign of an established termite colony nearby. Since termites only send out their flying reproductives when the colony reaches a significant size, this means there may already be a mature termite infestation on your property.
- Termite tubes – While you might not see any physical termites, you may notice long mud tubes connecting your property to the soil. These termite tubes are a sign of subterranean termites.
- Termite frass – “Frass” is the polite term for waste expelled by termites. This frass has a sawdust-like appearance and often accumulates in small piles.
- Wood damage – As termites destroy your property, they can cause wood to warp. Tight-fitting or jammed doors and windows are often a sign of termites. Maze patterns appearing in floorboards and hollow-sounding wood can also be attributed to termite activity.
If you notice signs of termites on your Mobile property, don’t waste your valuable time and money. Call the experts at EnSec of Mobile for the support you need. We’ll get rid of the destructive termites in your home or business and save you from costly repairs. For more information about our termite control services, get in touch with us today.