Signs You Have Termites In Your Home
Termites are small wood-feeding insects. They are infamous for causing damage to anything that is cellulose-based, but the prey is mostly wood. When termites come into contact with cellulose, they can cause damage to the complete structure of the building. Don’t be misled by the term small; these pesky insects may seem harmless and tiny, but the destruction they can cause amounts to millions of dollars in damage in St Louis alone.
Research has shown termite damage in the US amounts to billions of dollars. This includes damage to both crops and manmade structures. If you do termite prevention in time by spending a few hundred dollars, it can save you thousands of dollars in irreplaceable damage in the long run.
Professional termite inspectors in St Louis perform termite inspections that look for signs of termite infestation in homes and buildings. They usually conduct the inspection by visiting your home and looking for signs associated with termites.
How to Get Rid of Termites in Your House & Terminate an Infestation
Termites might be present in your home, working away silently under floorboards and wooden surfaces, but it is not always easy to spot them. The best way to find out if you have termites is by conducting a proper home inspection in St Louis.
After you schedule an appointment, a professional inspector will visit your home. He will assess all areas of the property and look for signs that indicate the presence of termites. For example, if he sees small piles of sawdust on the floor, he knows there’s a chance you may have a termite infestation on your property.
You may think you can perform a termite inspection yourself; while there is no harm in doing so, only a professional inspector can perform a thorough inspection. Not only are inspectors familiar with common termite breeding grounds, but they utilize high-grade gadgets to assist them with the inspection. Devices like thermal imaging cameras assist home inspectors in inspecting pest infestations in the most hidden and inaccessible areas of your home.
What are the Signs of a Termite Problem?
Termite problems are often found in older homes that have been neglected for a long time, but that does not mean your home is free just because it is new. Surprisingly home inspectors have found termite infestations in even the most well-cared homes. Although neglect and improper maintenance can harbor favorable termite breeding conditions, and factors such as weather, humidity levels, or even the time of the year can trigger termite infestations.
The Most Common Signs Of A Termite Problem Are:
Swarms Of Insects:
Swarming flying insects may signify that termites are present in your house. The pests will make their way into the home and start to eat away at the structure and insulation of the walls, causing damage to your property. When you see swarming flying insects near windows or bulbs, it is time to call a professional Pest Control Company in St Louis.
Presence Of Small Mud Or Sand Piles:
You might think that you don’t have any signs of termites in your house. But if you see some unexplained piles of mud or sand near wooden surfaces, doors, or windows, then it is time to call a professional pest control company because there is a high chance that you have termites in your house.
Damage To Electrical Wires, Appliances, Or Other Objects:
If you notice problems with the electricity in your home, plugs not working, light fixtures missing power, or apparent damage to wires or appliances, it may mean termites are present. These insects feed on the cellulose found in wood and other plant materials, but termites also cause extensive damage to wiring, books, and even caretakers in a home. Suppose you notice any such damage to wires or appliances. In that case, it is recommended that you have a termite inspector in St Louis come and inspect your home immediately and contact a pest control company immediately.
Mud Tubes:
If you notice small tunnels from the ground to the ceiling in your home, it signifies termites. Termite tubes are small tunnels from the ground to the ceiling that termites make. These tubes are called mud tubes, and termites use them to move around at night. They are made of wood and soil and shield against dehydration.
Termite tubes can be found in most homes where termites reside, but they can also be found outside in moist areas like near water sources or in gardens where plants grow. Termite tubes are also mud tubes because they are made mostly of soil. These tubes protect against both dehydration and predators.
Termite tubes are often mistaken for bird nests or other natural formations, but they only occur in places where termites live. If you see a mud tube on your property, you must contact a professional pest control company immediately to prevent further damage.
Termite Droppings:
If you have noticed a small, granular pellet-like substance on your walls, it could be frass from termites. The pellets are a sign of active termite infestation.
Frass is the excrement of the insect called the termite. These are small, granular pellets shaped like ovals and found in baseboards, door frames, and windowsills. A large amount of frass in one area can indicate that you may have an active infestation in your house that needs to be addressed by a professional.
Termite Swarms:
Termites are social insects with a life cycle that includes four stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. They share the same diet as ants and can produce wings that are used for flight.
Termites swarm when they leave their wings in piles. This indicates that they have found a new home to move to. When the termites sense that predators or other factors threaten their colony, they will all leave their wings in piles and move to new pastures.
The termites’ ability to swarm makes them such a threat because it allows them to spread quickly and take over homes without much effort.
Bubbling Paint
Termites can cause damage to the drywall and create access for moisture between the paint and the surface. When you see paint bubbling or peeling, it can signify termites. If you think that your house may have termites, contact a professional pest control company to get an inspection. Buckling paint can also be due to other reasons, so it should not always be taken as a sign of termite activity; reach out to a home inspector to determine the true cause.
Calling in The Professional Home Inspectors For Inspection
When it comes to home inspections, you can’t always be sure of the quality of the job. You want to ensure that you’re getting a thorough inspection and one that will give you peace of mind.
Hawley Inspections is a company offering termite inspection in St Louis; we provide professional pest control services with highly trained technicians who are experts in their field. They provide termite inspections, rodent inspections, and more.
Our inspectors provide a thorough inspection with no hidden costs or surprises, as they care for all your needs. You’ll get a detailed report, pictures, and videos from your inspection so you can make an informed decision about whether or not to proceed with the property purchase or sale.
