How to Identify a Termite Infestation and Tips to Control Them

Termites, also known as “Silent Destroyers’ are the cause of millions of dollars in property damage every year. They are the most devastating pests that can eat away the wooden framework of the house causing structural damage. Besides causing damage to our property, termites also pose a threat to our health as well. It is important to get rid of these destructive pests as soon as possible to safeguard our property from getting damaged. In this guide, we will explore ways to identify termite infestation in the house and tips to control them.

Signs of Termite Infestation in the House

Though termites are hard to detect, various signs can help us to know that our property is infested with termites.

Termites create mud tubes to travel inside the house in search of food. They are typically brown in color and mostly found in crawl spaces and close to the foundation of your house.
Termites eat away the wooden structure of the house making it hollow from the inside. If you notice any hollow sound from your wooden structures and furniture, it is a sure sign of termite infestation in the house.
If you see any shredded translucent wings around your window shelves and other entry points then termites are active in your house. Swarming termites shed their wings after mating.
The presence of termite droppings also known as frass is also a sure sign of termites in the house. It is wood colored similar to sawdust and you can see piles of termite droppings collected on top of baseboards.
Termites feed underneath the wall as it contains cellulose. If you see bubbling paint or cracks in drywalls, it indicates termite activity in the house.
When termites eat the wood of doors and windows, they leave behind moisture which makes them warp. The doors and windows will be difficult to close and open. Stuck doors and windows in the house are an obvious sign of termite presence in the house.
When a termite colony is threatened, termite soldiers bang their heads and shake their bodies to warn fellow termites. If you see a clicking sound in walls then be cautious. The worker termites also make noises while eating the wood. Head banging and chewing sounds are a sure sign that termites are there in the house.
The presence of pin-sized holes in dry walls also indicates termite activity in the house. Termites make holes when they want to exit and make new colonies.
Swarming termites are also a sign of termite infestation in the house. If you see a flying termite in the house, then it is a sure sign of termite infestation.

Tips to Prevent and Control Termites in the House

Though termites are hard to eliminate, we can prevent them from infesting our property by following the tips below.

Termites are mostly found in moist environments. Reduce excessive moisture in the house by using a dehumidifier. Do not allow stagnant water in the house and fix leaky pipes and faucets. Take special care in crawl apices and basements.
Cluttered homes are more susceptible to termite infestations as they get enough space to hide. Declutter your home by removing unwanted things in the house. You can either donate, sell, or dispose of them.
Treat the wood in the house by spraying borate spray before painting and priming them. This acts as an effective termite repellant.
Keep 18 inches of distance between the Lawn, Garden, and foundation of your house as termites can make colonies beneath the foundation.
Termites can enter your home through small cracks and crevices. Seal them with cement and caulk to bar their entry.
Replace loose weather stripping around the basement, foundation, and windows.
Trim the bushes and vegetation in the yard to prevent termites from entering your home. Termites can use them as bridges to invade your home. Make sure the plants and shrubs are not grown near the house.
Ensure that the roofing and guttering are in good shape, especially during the rainy season.
Monitor all exterior areas of wood, including windows, doorframes, and skirting boards for any changes.
Store firewood away from your house. As per experts, a 20-inch distance will be sufficient.
Routinely inspect the foundation of the house for signs of termite infestations like mud tubes and tunnels.
Seek professional termite control assistance if there is a severe infestation in the house.

Conclusion

Termite prevention and control is a complex process. Termites cannot be eliminated by DIY methods. You need professional pest control in Bhopal to get rid of termites in the house. Do not ignore, if you see any signs of termites in the house as it can become a full-blown infestation within a short period. Addressing the termite problem at the earliest can save you from extensive damage and costly repairs.