How Do I Know It's A Termite?
Since termites are seldom seen, when they do show themselves, they are often mistaken for other pests. While they have their wings, they look like flying ants. They tend to shed their wings when they come inside. If you notice yellowish-looking bugs in your house that you haven’t seen before, check the interior window sills for wings. This is a sure sign that they have made entry into your home. This is bad!
Termites do have their place in nature devouring downed trees, aiding in the decomposition of the forest, and putting nutrients back into the soil. However, you do not want them devouring your home.
Termites are highly destructive, costing Americans $5 million annually in property damage. There are over 2,000 types of known termites worldwide, but in Oklahoma, it’s the subterranean termites that plague us. And wouldn’t you know it, they are the most destructive species in the U.S. They are the source of 95% of termite damage in this country. This is not surprising when you learn that each colony has about one million members. They stay active 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. What can they do?
- They can eat 15 pounds of wood a week.
- Destroy foundation timbers.
- Damage plumbing.
- Eat your furniture, even antiques.
- Undermine your deck.
- Turn your boat into a snack.
- Eat your fence, your trees, and lawn furniture.
Most People Don’t Even Know They Have Termites
They are known as the silent destroyers, quietly munching on your home while you go about your daily life. The average colony eats one pound of wood every 24 hours. Within three years, serious damage has been done to the integrity of your home. There are countless horror stories about termites. Toilets falling through floors, walls buckling, roofs caving in, and homes being condemned all due to termite damage. Most of the time the owners say the same thing. “We didn’t even know we had termites.”
What Signs Should I Be Looking For?
Keep on the lookout for any of these signs. Discovering termites early could save you thousands of dollars.
- Small holes in walls, woodwork, doors, or molding, accompanied by piles of tiny pellet-looking dust. This is called “frass,” AKA termite poop.
- Shed wings on windowsills. A sign that they have made an appearance.
- What looks like a flying ant indoors is most likely a female termite. There are distinct differences if you know what to look for. Call us immediately if you find one of these inside.
- Mud tubes attached to walls. These are termite highways. They are necessary to their survival because they need to stay hydrated. On the outside of structures, the mud tubes protect termites from the sun and predators.
- Hollow-sounding or drooping walls can’t be good. Oftentimes, the only thing holding them up is a thin outer layer and the mud that the termite used to fill the tunnels.
- Blistering paint implies moisture, and termites love moisture.
Getting Professional Help Saves Money
Interesting factoid: the total weight of all of the termites in the world is more than the weight of all the humans in the world. That’s a lot of termites, doing a lot of damage. This is where the professionals come in. Homeowners simply cannot eradicate termites with store-bought pesticides. Guaranteed Pest Services Of Oklahoma has the skills, equipment, and experience needed to save your Oklahoma City home from the destructive force of termites. Call for a free estimate of our termite control and prevention services today.
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