How To Tell If Your Waltham Property Has A Termite Problem
4/15/2021
Termites are so feared for their destructive capabilities that property owners will turn to phony prevention methods just to try and get rid of them. The problem is, by the time you’re aware of termite activity on your property, it can be too late to eliminate them without professional means. That’s why it’s better to spot the early signs of termite activity and take frequent steps to prevent infestations on your property.
An Overview Of Termites
Termites are wood-boring insects that feed on the fibers found in wood and plant roots. While most local termites are subterranean -- forming tunnels below ground -- some species form noticeable mounds above the ground. In both cases, they build their homes in soil and utilize caste systems the same ways ants do: to split up the labors of survival between distinct members of their populations. It’s the reproductive termites, called alates, that are responsible for breeding. Trouble is, these members of termite society are almost always hidden well within their colonies, so only thorough and effective elimination methods will affect the termites that truly need to be eliminated. That’s why people should trust experts to inspect their property properly for termites and determine how pervasive the problem is. The last thing anyone wants is to be surprised by extensive termite damage when they didn’t even realize they had an infestation.
Termites Aren’t Easy To Spot
The reason termites are so destructive isn’t just that they eat through wood. It’s that they keep evidence of their activity hidden. By attacking wood found below ground, or by burrowing up through the wood and stopping before they hit the surface, termites keep the clear signs of their damage hidden from our view. That’s why people don’t often notice termites until these serious levels of damage have already occurred:
- Warped wood: Because they don’t burrow through woods, the only obvious sign of their damage is the warping that occurs on the surface. As interior wood is hollowed out, surface woods can bend or buckle.
- Doors & windows: The other adjustments that occur with structural woods is that door and window frames will squeeze or slant. Suddenly tight or loose fits to these entrances is a clear sign of pervasive termite damage.
- Collapse: After a termite population has been there for a while, their ravenous diets can lead to extensive structural damage. This can result in the total collapse of walls or roofs.
Early Signs To Watch For
Now, you’re probably more concerned with how to spot the early signs of termites, the ones that happen before that kind of prevalent damage has occurred. The sad fact of the matter is that most people don’t catch these signs and this is exactly why you should call the professionals for a proper inspection of your property. Only a trained set of eyes is likely to detect the following:
- Wings: Termite alates are also called swarmers because it’s these flying queens that first start new colonies. They look for attractive yards to settle and then shed their wings before burrowing into the ground. Spotting these discarded wings is a sure sign of termites, but knowing the difference between a termite wing and another insect's is a challenge.
- Vents: No, not the kind you’d find in your floors or ceiling. Instead, these are the openings that termites leave in a yard to provide oxygen flow to their tunnels. These vents are often hidden below the grass, so you won’t spot them unless you know where to look.
- Frass: Termites don’t leave this fine sawdust behind very often -- at least not in areas where people typically see it. That’s because this byproduct is usually found below ground.
Let Experts Protect Your Property
The only way to avoid termite damage is to make sure you’re doing everything you can to prevent infestations from forming in the first place. To do that, you need the expert guidance of pest professionals who know what to look for. At Assurance Pest Solutions, we can get started right away on an inspection of your property, checking for early signs of termites or factors that might attract them to your yard. Once we’ve determined your situation, we’ll come up with a control plan that provides you with the best chance of preventing termites or eliminating them before they can cost you property damage.
Don’t let termites chew their way through your property, turn to Assurance Pest Solutions to get started on real protection today.