HOW TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE TERMITES

The signs of a termite infestation are often subtle and hard to spot, but the damage they cause costs Americans billions of dollars every year. Termites eat not only the wood of your home but also insulation, plaster, and books, and their destruction often isn’t covered by homeowners’ insurance policies.

Prevention is key, which is why Jupiter Pest offers free home inspections and professional home termite control. Do you have termites? Here are the top four signs of termite damage to look for:

Crumbling, Damaged Wood

The most well-known sign of termite damage is carved-out wood. Termites eat the cellulose out of wood, leaving behind tunnels along the wood grain. You may not always be able to see the damage, because termites may leave the outer layer of wood intact, but it will sound hollow when tapped.

Piles of Termite Pellets

Once drywood termites create nests in wood, they don’t leave. They will clean their nests, however, by pushing their droppings out of the wood. These pellets, called frass, can look like small piles of sand, salt, or pepper.

Mud Tubes Climbing the Foundation

Mud tubes are a good indicator that your house has become an all-you-can-eat buffet. Subterranean termites use mud tubes to travel between your house and their colonies. The tubes will be about as thick as a pencil and can be found anywhere your house meets the ground. You can break open a tube to check for termites, but even if it’s empty, that doesn’t necessarily mean the termites are entirely gone.

There are many other signs you may be living with termites, but they can be easily mistaken for water damage or other household problems. Confirming a termite infestation can be difficult without training, and treating it is even harder. Many do-it-yourself termite treatments don’t address the root of the problem.

If you want to get rid of the entire termite colony for good, turn to a professional pest control service like Jupiter Pest. We know what to look for and we can customize an extermination solution for your home.