HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE TERMITES?
Spotting and identifying termite damage is not always easy, and sometimes identifying termites can be just as hard. Here is a guide to help you decipher if you are in need of our services.
Drywood Termites
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Typically reddish-brown or amber in color with two sets of wings
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If the infestation is inside the home, you will likely find discarded wings or dead termites in windowsills or by bright spots in the room (e.g. sliding glass doors, sky lights)
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If infestation is outside the home, you will normally spot reproductive termites in spiderwebs, swimming pools, or other still waters
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Signs of damage include, but are not limited to; bubbled paint on wood surfaces, wood sounding hollow when tapped, and piles of wood pellets (resembling sand) below small holes in the wall and window frames
Subterranean Termites
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Typically black in color with two sets of wings
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If the infestation is inside the home, you will likely find small trails (mud tubes) on walls, behind appliances, and under sinks. You will likely also be able to spot the winged termites throughout your house.
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If infestation is outside the home, you will normally find mud tubes along the foundation, tubes coming out of the ground as well as termites in spiderwebs, swimming pools, or other still waters
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Signs of damage include, but are not limited to; bubbled paint on drywall or plaster, soil in seams and cracks of wood, and wood may sound hollow when tapped however most wood damage is only visible when wood is broken open
Ant or Termite?
Some ants can be hard to distinguish from termites, and are commonly mistaken for each other. In order to be sure you are dealing with a termite infestation, look for some of these key differences. Furthermore, termites will leave sawdust colored pellets around their eating sites.