Signs Of A Termite Problem – “If It’s Wood, It’s Good” – Termites

April showers bring May flowers, but May sometimes brings termites (Isoptera) and they aren’t delicate like a rose – they sting like a bee and they can turn your home or property into its domain quicker than you’d realize. Termites aren’t anyone’s friend; unless you like your stuff getting ruined beyond repair. WAFB in Baton Rouge, Louisiana says, starting May 10th; “You especially don’t want to deal with termite swarms around your house during the stay-at-home order”. That’s according to Robert John, regional manager of J&J Exterminating, a pest control company in the Baton Rouge area. So what are the signs of a termite problem? According to Pestworld.org, a non-profit associated with the National Pest Management Association, there are a few good indications that you have a problem; and when acted on quickly, can save you thousands of dollars.

Spotting Signs Of A Termite Problem

Swarmers, aka: ‘reproductives’ are young winged termites who are searching for a nice warm home for the summer. They’ll waltz right into the structure of your home without the courtesy of knocking. A good indication there are termite swarmers? Check for their abandoned wings near windows and doors. This is what they look like.

Now for the yucky part; another sign there’s a termite problem, and a developing one are their new mud homes under yours! Get this; the suspects are subterranean termites who build so-called “mud tubes” to provide moisture while they travel, according to Pestworld. The Longview News-Journal (News-Journal) reports that the subterranean termites are actually the most destructive termite species; “causing more than $2 billion in damage each year”. Those previously mentioned ‘mud tubes’ can be found near the home’s foundation. Signs of mud tubes are if you “knock on wood” for luck and it sounds hollow; that’s a dead giveaway! Also check for blistering pieces of wood near your foundation; another good sign that they’re trying to move in and kick you out!

You Put Up Walls Just So Termites Can Tear Them Down

The next thing to check is for moisture in your home’s walls. Pestworld says bubbling paint or any sign of moisture build-up in your walls could be the perfect host for ‘drywood termites’. They love to eat through infested wood which that moisture can produce, so your walls can potentially be destroyed, as well as your own personal belongings. Check for their pellets that they form in a small pile in or outside your home.

Learning Termite Biology
To Understand Signs Of A Termite Problem

Besides looking for physical signs of termites, you should take the time to learn more about their biology and how they could potentially spread. Keeping firewood as far away from your home as possible is a smart step to take in home protection, as well as knowing natural ways to keep the termites at bay.

An all-natural solution that is eco-friendly and just part of the great circle of life is releasing some Nematodes, (phylum Nematoda) also known as roundworms, into an area you think might be infected. If you look at them, they seem a little creepy but they can actually be your new best friend. Nematodes are parasitic worms and they LOVE to chow down on termites. The term ‘parasitic worm’ sounds bad, but don’t worry: they are actually mostly harmless to humans and animals. You can even order some online and there are experts who can point you to the right direction of what type of nematode you’d need. They don’t care about you so long as there’s a bunch of termites around and they will not disrupt the ecosystem. In fact, they: “Play a very important role in nutrient cycling and release of nutrients for plant growth,” according to apsnet.org.

Despite the natural deterrent, there are many reasons why Pestworld says it’s important to get a termite inspection done by the professionals every one to three years to keep your home safe from termites. It’s important to understand that termites can potentially cause a life-changing amount of money in damage, without you even knowing, and within an instant!