Signs Of Termites – Know What To Look For

by Nate on July 25, 2011

Signs Of Termites – Know What To Look For

In large areas of the States homes are at risk from termite infestation, regardless of the climate. They really couldn’t care less who the property belongs to, the worker termites only have one aim – to locate a source of cellulose (found in wood, paper, natural fibres etc.) to feed so they can return to the termite colony and feed the the other family members – which may consist of hundreds of thousands or perhaps millions of termites!

Now, on the face of it this sounds like any other infestation of bugs – a bit of a pain. However, the fact is these tiny pests may completely destroy your home in a fairly short period of time and you could be totally oblivious that this is taking place. Repair costs may run into thousands of Dollars. Therefore having an basic understanding of the signs of termites activity around your property could be invaluable and save you a lot of heartache and money!

Termites undoubtedly don’t do us any favours because they work silently in huge networks of underground tunnels which are about the width of a pencil and consume the cellulose form the inside of the timber – if they damage the outside they will even try to repair it to cover their tracks! So you can see, how they can be present munching threw the inside of your walls, under your floors, in your basement, in the crawl space of your home, a few types will even eat your furniture without your knowledge. As well as that, termites are willing to travel for their meals! They can cover a surprising area and will hunt for food up to 350 feet away from the nest.

So, what must you look for and where should you look for signs of termites?

Termites are happy to live in a moist environment where the temperature is fairy consistent. Therefore the soil in your garden or yard ideal, somewhere between the frost line and the bed rock is where termites will construct their nest of many rooms.

So that they can hunt for food termites often have to construct mud tubes to allow them to concor areas they cannot tunnel through. These tubes are constructed from mud, saliva and chewed up cellulose and they protect the termites from predators – mainly ants and also prevent the termites from drying out. The mud tubes which are about the width of a pencil can be found attached to a surface or can be free standing. Regardless they will lead into a crack or small hole in the brick work surrounding door and window frames. If you uncover these mud tubes you have found one of the definite signs of termites in your property.

Inside your property, you should check your basement and crawlspace carefully for more signs of termites – using a flash light will make this a little easier. The first sign of termites to look for is poo which is often scattered about on surfaces. It varies in color from brown to beige depending on which type of timber the termites are feeding on and can be likened visually to grains of sand or sawdust.

As I stated before termites feed on the timber from the inside so discovering damaged wood is unlikely. (Unless you have Formosan termites, in which case you may come across an above ground carton like nest.) However, should you come across any wall studs or baseboards which sound hollow and break them apart you might find another classic sign of termites – a honeycomb like pattern due to the termites eat along the grain of the wood. This structure will regularly be packed with earth.

Perhaps the only time you could uncover the ultimate sign of termites i.e. LIVE TERMITES is if you are undertaking building work. They will move very quickly when exposed to light. You should be able to identify them by the fact that they are around 10mm in length, soft bodied and light in color.

If you discover any of these signs of termites it is essential that you employ professional help immediately, but by carrying out these self inspections monthly you may be able to spot any potential problem quickly before these tiny pests literally eat you out of house and home!

Want to find out about signs of termites?
Visit TreatmentForTermites.Com for everything you need to know!


Article from articlesbase.com

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