If you didn’t know that Termite Awareness Week falls in March every year, it’s worth taking note of. The week before spring starts is the perfect time to learn all that you can about termite habits and prevention strategies because termites start swarming when the weather gets warmer. When you know what to look for, it’s easier to identify and eliminate termite infestations and prevent them from causing expensive damage. To learn more about how termites look and work in Illinois & Indiana, read on for expert insight from our termite exterminators at Terminix Anderson.
How Dangerous Are Termites?
You wouldn’t expect that a creature so small is capable of so much damage, but termites cause an estimated $5 billion in damage each year in the United States alone. Their swarms can start as early as February, but they don’t attack your home right away. Instead, subterranean termites build their nests under the lawn where they settle in and start foraging for food. Their extensive networking leads them to the house where the colony begins tearing through the wooden structures, eating the cellulose within.
One of the qualities that make termites so dangerous is that they can eat away at your walls undetected for years. This makes it crucial to be able to identify signs of their presence.
Signs of Termites in Your Building
Seeing winged termites, otherwise known as swarmers, around your home is a sure sign that a termite inspection is in order, but the severity of your problem could vary greatly depending on where the swarmers came from. Whether you see swarmers around or you are simply concerned about termite damage on your property, look around for these signs of termite damage:
- Mud tubes: Termites dig tunnels in the earth to get from their nest to your walls. You’ll see small tubes of mud rise up near your building’s exterior walls and foundation if termites are there.
- Striated wood: Because termites eat the cellulose within the wood and not the entirety of the substance, they tear thin strips through the wood they are infesting. Visibly striated wood is a sure sign of termites.
- Bubbling paint: Paint on walls that have been infested with termites will appear bubbled or cracked. Infested ceilings might look droopy, as if they had water damage.
It’s important to make sure you know what kind of damage has occurred, because termite damage can quickly build and become more expensive to deal with.
Need a Wood-Destroying Insect Report?
If you’re worried about termite damage in your home, reach out to your local termite exterminators for a WDI inspection. Our team at Terminix Anderson can quickly identify signs of termites in Illinois and Indiana and remove them safely and swiftly. For a free quote or to learn more about termites, contact us today!
