Have you ever taken a walk outside and found a half-eaten fallen tree or a dead stump? Such a thing is enough to get any individual thinking. What type of creature is eating this? Why can’t I see them right now? Is there anything like this on my property? We are here to answer these questions today. Here is what you need to know about termites here in Fairfax and what you should do if you find them chewing up the wood around your property.
Different Wood-Destroying Pests
Termites in Fairfax are not the only wood-destroying pests. We also have carpenter ants and carpenter bees. The main difference between termites and these other destructive pests is that termites consume the wood they tunnel through. The best way to identify subterranean termite damage is by the lack of sawdust around the holes and alleyways they create. This lack of sawdust is one of the reasons termites are so difficult to identify inside homes. To stay out of sight, these destructive pests tunnel deep into wooden structures. It isn’t until the damage they do becomes severe that notable structural problems start to present themselves.
Obvious Signs Your Home Has Termites
Given enough time termites will make themselves known inside a home. This usually comes with noticeable structural damage associated with their tunneling and the moisture they spread through walls, ceilings, floors, and other foundational elements. Here are just a few obvious signs that should help clue you in to termites inside your Fairfax home.
- Tight-fitting doors/windows
- Overly squeaky floorboards
- Swelling floorboards
- Discolored moisture spots on walls, floors, and ceilings
- Sagging drywall
- Bubbling/tearing paint and wallpaper
- Pin sized holes running in and out of structural wood
- Visible alleyways
- Live termites (white, ant-like)
Two Early Clues Your Home Has Termites
Severe structural damage is not the only way to identify a termite infestation, however, it is usually what the average homeowner notices first. To make you an above-average homeowner, here are two early signs of a termite infestation you should know.
- Mud Tubes: When subterranean termites invade a home they look for a safe way to get to structural wood. If there is a barrier between the soil and the wood they crave, they will construct mud tubes to bridge the gap. Look for these pencil-sized tubes around your home’s exterior foundation.
- Swarmers: After a colony of termites becomes fully mature it produces what are called termite swarmers. These winged reproductive termites fly out from their home and look for new places to build. If you see what seems to be flying ants around the exterior of your home, an infestation might be on the horizon. If you find these pests indoors, you might already have a problem.
Why You Need Professional Termite Control
There are two reasons termites are more difficult to treat than other pests. The first is that they are hard to spot. This not only makes identifying infestations hard but also makes knowing if treatments are working impossible. The second reason is that traditional pest control does not work for these pests. You need industrial-grade products to effectively eliminate termites. The only way to get this is by hiring a professional. For expert pest control you can trust, turn to the technicians at SPRK Pest Solutions. Our team of licensed operators will evaluate your property and implement the needed methods to identify, eliminate, and prevent termites.
Call us today to discover our comprehensive termite control options and find one that best fits your Fairfax home’s needs.
