What You Need to Know About Termites?

The Silent Killers

Termites are often referred to at the silent killer, as they often do damage before they are discovered. It can be very frustrating to find your termite problem after extension damage has already been done. But if you pay attention, there are signs that can help you identify a termite infestation. Routinely looking for signs of a termite problem may help you avoid the disaster of costly repairs.

Rock and Roll Head Bangers

Though termites are often quiet, they are not silent. If you suspect your home may have termite, put your head up against the wall. As termites eat, they make noise. They are not silent chewers. You may also hear a soft clicking noise—this is the termites banging their heads again the wall. They will do this to signify to the rest of their colony.

Another fun fact about these head bangers—termites love rock music. Studies have proven that termites will eat faster when they hear rock music. They can detect the vibrations and it motivates them to eat at nearly twice their normal speed. If you have a termite problem, maybe turn down the rock and roll for the time being.

Signs You Have Termites

Termite Droppings—this is a sure sign of termite. They will leave behind small black marks and a dark powdery substance. Termite droppings are not always so visible, but if you do see them, it is a certain sign.

Tight Windows and Doors—if you’re noticing stiff windows and doors, it may be because of termites. When termites are eating, they produce moisture. This moisture can cause wood to warp and make doorways and windows feel tighter.

Hollow Sounding Wood—some termites eat wood from the inside out. This leads to hollowed out wood. When you knock on a damaged area and hear a hollowed out noise, it is mostly likely because of a termite infestation.

Discarded Wings and Flying Termites—flying termites are males and females looking for mates. Once the find a mate, they set up colony, start to multiple, and shed their wings. If you see discarded wings, you have a termite problem—termites who have found mates and settled down in your house.

Seeing “White Ants”—you may think that you are seeing white ants in your house. But really, there aren’t any white ants. These “white ants” are likely termites. Termites are a light color, similar in size to ants. Both termites and ants can have wings. The biggest difference between the two is the light and translucent color.