What Is The First Sign Of Termites
Mud tubes are small tunnels made out of soil or dirt accumulated on the wood and a sure fire sign of termites.
What is the first sign of termites. Mud tubes subterranean termites the most destructive termite species build mud tubes to provide moisture while they travel between their colony and food source. These mud tubes connect termites to food sources and snake. Usually the first sign of a termite infestation is the presence of flying termites called swarmers or alates. The presence of these tunnels near the foundation of your home is a sure sign of subterranean termite infestation.
Protecting your home before signs of termites arise is one of the best ways to save money and keep your family safe when it comes to these destructive insects. Because termites usually are hidden from view it s easiest to determine the type of infestation by examining the winged version of the insect. Swarmers are king and queen termites that are produced by a mature colony for the purposes of creating a new nest. As such termite swarmers or their discarded wings near windowsills and doors are often the first and only outwardly visible sign of a termite problem.
The flying termites are the males and females that have left the nest to find a mate and then establish a new colony which could be near or in your home. When a termite colony gets large enough winged reproductive termites will emerge to create a new colony. Termites have straight antennae very different from the elbowed antennae of carpenter ants. The termites live in colonies and once the little termites grow to a certain extent they form a swarm which is a moving crowd and maintain a colony.
The first sign of a termite infestation will be the appearance of swarmers. Found in 49 states termites are a national problem. Termite damage signs are the last thing you want to find in your home but the earlier you find signs of termites and get them eradicated the better. Remember these signs may only become visible after termites have been present for months or even years.
It s estimated that termites cause 5 billion in property damage each year. When signs of termites infestation is not noticed earlier the damage can escalate to a higher level which can affect the structure of the building. Usually the first sign of a termite infestation is the presence of flying termites called swarmers or alates.