[caption id="attachment_376" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="Learn how to spot signs of termite damage so you can stop a termite colony in its tracks."]
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Termite damage ranges in severity depending on the size of the termite colony and how long the termites have been able to feed on the area. Many times, termite damage repair is necessary; often, homeowners must kill the entire termite colony and patch holes created by the pests, whereas others may find themselves replacing the entire wood framing on the home due to significant termite damage. The key is to spot the problem as soon as it starts in order to avoid large-scale repair needs.
Top Signs You Have Termites
Are you unsure if you have termite damage? Here are some ways you can tell:
- A termite infestation looks like mud-like material that forms in irregular lines; termites are located on the outside of your home or in the vicinity of wood. Termites travel through tube-like structures.
- Excavated wood (wood the termites have devoured) may appear to be whole; however, it may only consist of a paper thin layer of wood, while the interior of the wood has been destroyed. If you touch the wood and it crumbles, and you notice mud-like material within, it’s likely you have incurred termite damage.
- Nests that are disturbed may result in a swarm of what looks like flying ants, and they often gather at light sources in the evening hours. A swarm like this indicates there are reproducing females and males who are establishing a new colony in the area. This usually occurs in the spring and early summer, but can also happen in the early fall, too.
- Paint that is buckling, or tiny holes in wood, indicates that a termite infestation is nearby. The termite damage repair may require replacing the entire plank or patching holes after the termites have been exterminated.
- If you see live termites, then it’s obvious you have a termite problem on your hands. The kings and queens (i.e. reproductive termites) are often black or brown in color; they have 0.5-inch long wings. Workers, on the other hand, do not have wings and are about half the size of reproductive termites. They are usually well hidden in wood and white in color. It’s important to note that you can still have a severe termite infestation even if you do not see any live termites.
Termite damage may be significant or minor. The colonies themselves are often well into the ground and can be some distance away from their food source. You should be able to spot a termite problem fairly easily, as it looks like mud tunnels running from the food source (the wood) to the colony itself. Termite damage repair is not beneficial until you have killed the
source of the termites first. If you spot termite damage on or near your home, react quickly to minimize further destruction. Call a professional pest exterminator to tackle the termite problem immediately.