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Signs Your Home Needs Termite Treatment

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As a homeowner, it is essential you are aware of the risk termites present to the structural integrity of your home. Termites are one of the leading causes of residential damage. When termites damage your home, the repairs are unlikely to be covered by your home insurance policy.

Proactively protecting your home from termite damage requires you to keep an eye out for the signs these wood-eating pests are present. If you see any of these signs, then it's essential to have your home inspected, and a termite control program started:

Sign: You See Mud Tubes

Subterranean termites build mud tubes to give them protection as they travel between their food source and the ground where they live. The mud tubes are made out of termite excrement and soil. You will find this tell-tale sign of subterranean termites around your home's foundation or other wooden structures on your property.

Sign: You See Wood-Colored Termite Excrement Called "Frass"

As termites eat their way through the wood, they leave behind excrement referred to as "frass." Termite frass is the same color as the wood they ingest and is left in piles outside of termite nests or mud tubes. 

Homeowners often see termite frass piles and confuse them with sawdust. If you have not been doing any woodworking and notice what looks like a sawdust pile, this can indicate that termites are present. 

Sign: You See Termites on Your Property 

It is not uncommon to see termites outdoors where they live. The most common time to see termites is in the evening when they fly around exterior lights. Termites, like other bugs, are attracted to the light and will come to investigate it.

Simply seeing termites outdoors flying around lights does not mean your home is infested with termites. It just simply means termites live somewhere in your area. They could be living in your neighbor's house or feasting on natural cellulose fibers outdoors where they aren't causing anyone harm.

While there's no need to worry about occasionally seeing a lone termite, there is legitimate cause for concern if you see termites frequently or flying in groups. This could mean there is an infestation nearby.

What to Do if You Notice Any Signs of a Termite Infestation

Lastly, is essential to mention that if you see any of the above signs of a termite infestation, you should have your property professionally inspected by a local pest control company. Catching a termite infestation early is vital for protecting the structural integrity of your home and reducing the damage the termites do to your property.

For more information, contact a termite control service near you.


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