How to Keep an Eye on Termite Activity

by Kevin Smith Author

Termites can survive for a long time on your land or within your house before even being discovered. Drywood termites, which dig deeply inside wooden constructions, and subterranean termites, which live subsurface, can be difficult to detect before major damage has been done.

It's critical to recognize warning symptoms as early as possible to help limit damage. Contact termite companies in Miami if and when you discover such problems.

Termite activity can be detected by looking for the following signs:

● Drywall that is discolored or drooping

● Paint that looks water-damaged and/or peeling

● When you tap the wood, it sounds hollow

● Drywall with small, pinpoint holes

● Buckling hardwood or laminate flooring

● Loosened tiles, caused by the additional moisture that termites deliver to your floor

● Floorboards that creak excessively

● Cracked or cracking wood

● Window or door jams, furnishings, floorboards, or walls with maze-like designs

● Drywood termite pellets nests that resemble little heaps of salt or pepper

● Swarms leave behind piles of wings that resemble fish scales

● Your residence’s foundation is slowly being covered by mud tubes

● Termite swarms that fly everywhere on your property

Discarded Termite Wings

Swarms of termites can occur inside or outside of a residence as mature termites depart the nest to establish new colonies. Swarmers drop their wings shortly after taking flight. Small stacks of wings may be seen in spider webs and on structures near your home's foundation, such as window sills.

Swarms of Termites

Swarmers from established communities normally leave the brood twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. Swarms occur at different times based on variety and temperature variations. Swarms on the outside of a residence are often overlooked by homeowners because they occur throughout the morning and afternoon when many individuals are not at home. At dusk, Formosan termites might cluster.

Tubes of Mud

Subterranean termites construct mud tubes to connect their colony to the wood they eat. These tubes, which are formed of microscopic bits of dirt, wood, and detritus, are employed to shield the community from predators while also conserving moisture.

Termite Excrement

Drywood termites frequently leave behind frass or excrement after devouring wood. Termite infestations are frequently indicated by these small fecal piles.

Termite Damage to Drywood

Drywood termites are most commonly found in hot, humid areas. They build their communities in the wood that they eat. Termites dig dungeons of tubes and rooms within floors and walls as they devour wood. Where the bugs have eaten or bred, they deposit little heaps of feces that mimic pellets.

Drywood termites also create drooping floors, walls, and ceilings, as well as the appearance of water damage. Drywood termites drop their wings after swarming and can be found in little mounds throughout an infested property. These wings have a scale-like appearance.

Signs of Subterranean Termites

Termites that live underground can be found all over the United States. These pests have underground colonies and can travel above ground in search of food. They get access to dwellings through weak or unprotected foundations, as well as tunnels made of mud, dung, and saliva. These tunnels look to be brown, dry, and cylindrical.

The existence of all these burrows near your house's base indicates a subterranean termite infestation. Subterranean termites, like drywood termites, generate winged swarmers, which signal the presence of an operational termite colony.

Seek Professional Assistance Right Away

Remember that these indications may not appear until months or even years after termites have been established. Having your house examined by the best termite company in Miami each year is the smartest method to prevent extensive damage from occurring.

These professionals are trained to recognize even the smallest indicators of termite infestation, potentially saving you hundreds to thousands of dollars in house repairs.