When given the choice of superpowers, most homeowners would probably love to have the ability to see behind the walls of their homes. Worrying about the impact of unwanted pests like termites on your house’s structure is enough to drive any person mad. But how are you supposed to know what you can’t see?
The easiest answer is that every homeowner should invest in ongoing termite control. That means you have a professional looking out for your home long before you have a termite problem. Professional termite control is essential for homes and businesses and can prevent potentially devastating damage.
If you do have an undiscovered termite infestation, you will begin to see signs and symptoms within your home. Here are a few of the most common signs you need professional termite control.
Loose Wings
When you find your first loose termite wing, you’ll know it. The paper-thin, tear-drop-shaped wings are shed from their host when a termite swarm moves into your home. After all, they have little need for wings once they’ve moved in. These wings are commonly found near light fixtures or windowsills and indicate that you need to call in professional termite care.
Termite Frass
What in the world is frass? It’s another thing you may never have heard of, but you know it when you see it. As you know, termites eat the wooden structures that make up your home, and, like all other living creatures, their body digests what they eat, and then it has to go somewhere. Termite excrement is called frass, and it looks like very tiny wooden balls. You’ll often find small piles of frass on a windowsill, around the baseboards, or inside wooden furniture. Even if you don’t see it, you may feel a sandy texture beneath your feet, likely a sign of termites.
Damaged Windows And Doors
Are your windows and doors starting to stick? This may be a clear sign of a termite infestation. When termites chew away at the wood around your windows, it can cause the frame to warp and buckle, making it difficult for the window to open and close as designed. If you find that the windows and doors in your home aren’t opening and closing properly, it’s probably time to get termite control.
The issues listed above are some but not all of the symptoms you can expect from a termite infestation. While these symptoms typically occur within the structure of your home, it’s important to note that items within your home can also be compromised. As you watch for signs of an infestation, be sure to look inside cabinets and drawers, beneath couches and entertainment centers.
Above all, remember that once you see a sign of active infestation, you’ve already waited too long to seek treatment. The best time to call a termite control company is long before you see the signs and symptoms of termites in your home. Contact our office for more information about how we can help you diagnose your termite problem.
