We’ve all heard the old phrase, “Out of sight, out of mind.” If you apply it to some things, like dieting, it works wonders: Stash those Keebler brownies and you might find it’s easier to lose weight. On the other hand, it’s a horrible method of dealing with other problems. One such problem is termites. Just because you don’t see swarms of hungry insects eating through your home’s wood doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Termites do their work behind the walls. That said, termite colonies often leave clues if you know what to look for.
Pest Control Inspection
How many times have you taken your car in for an oil change only to have the mechanic tell you that you have some serious engine trouble looming on the horizon? One of the best things you can do to guard against a termite infestation is to invest in regular pest control inspection. Professionals in the business know just what to look for, and it can save you a bundle in home damage costs if you catch a termite colony before they’ve eaten their way through your house. Don’t assume that your house is secure against termites, as even the strongest houses have vulnerabilities.
Hollowed Wood
Want to know if you might have a termite problem? Go look around the perimeter of your house. Tap on the wood and evaluate the sound. Good, sturdy wood should have a sound to match. If you hear a hollow thunk upon tapping the wood, you might just have a problem. Remember, termites devour their fill from the inside out. If you wait until you see the termites poking through your side of the wood, you’ll have waited too long.
Mud Tunnels
Termites don’t like to travel out in the open. It’s their dedication to stealth and protection that makes them so difficult to discover. They will, however, leave mud tunnels in their wake. If you find these mud tunnels along your walls, it’s a very good indication that there are termites making a feast out of your home.
Discarded Wings
Termites often leave pieces of themselves behind, particularly after the swarming season. If you see discarded wings about, take action. Get a good pest control company out to your house for a full inspection. The worst thing you can do is assume that the wings are nothing to worry about.
Get Termite Help
Want to go beyond tapping wood and looking for mud tunnels? The pest control experts at ABC Home & Commercial Services in Dallas have years of experience inspecting, eradicating and preventing termite infestations. Contact us today for a free quote, or visit our website.