How To Tell If Your Home Has Termites

Termites invade more than 600,000 U.S. homes each year and cause more than five billion dollars in damage, according to the National Pest Management Association. What's more, the average cost of getting rid of these bugs is $3,000. Fortunately, termites are slow eaters and it takes years for a colony to cause extensive damage. That's why it's important to be alert for the signs that a termite colony has taken up residence in your home and eradicate the problem before it becomes too costly.

Signs that your home has termites

1. You notice wings or bug carcasses near the foundation of your house. Although most termites are wingless, the queen and her suitors take flight during mating season, usually during the spring and the fall. Once mating season is over, the "suitors" shed their wings and die. That's why you'll notice wings and dead bugs around where the termites are entering your home, most often at the foundation. Termite wings look something like fish scales.

2. You find hollow wood. Termites generally devour wood from the inside out. That's why termite damage often goes unnoticed until there is widespread damage. One way to catch termites early is to tap on support beams and trim. If the wood sounds hollow, it's time to have it checked out by a pest control professional.

3. You see swarms of insects near the base of your house. Swarms, too, are a sign of termite activity. This can either be mating activity or scouts looking for a new place to set up residence.

4. There are piles of dirt in the corners of your attic or basement. Termites entering and exiting your home often bring granules of dirt back and forth with them. If you see small piles of dirt at potential entrance and exit points, termites are likely to blame.

5. Mud tubes are shooting up from the base of your foundation. Termites require moisture and organic matter like wood or paper to thrive. To keep from getting dehydrated, they often create pencil-like mud tubes in which to travel. These tubes will generally be found near the soil line creeping up the side of your building.

If you suspect that you do have a termite problem, it's time to call a professional pest control company (such as Xtermco Inc). Eradicating termites and discouraging their return requires special equipment and training. It's not something you want to tackle on your own.