5 Signs of Termite Infestation

May 5, 2022

As we all know, termites tend to be highly destructive. Although various pests can destroy properties, termites are considered worse than rodents, ants, and other pests that may cause havoc to your home.

One reason that termites are considered so destructive is that the infestations they cause can go unnoticed for a significant amount of time. Since they can go unnoticed for so long, significant damage to wooden structures can be accomplished. On average, homeowners spend over $3,000 to fix the damage done by termites after an infestation is noticed.

Another reason that termites are considered the most destructive pest is how difficult they are to remove. Homeowners should know how to get rid of termite infestations and how to prevent them. If homeowners can take preventative steps to keep their property termite free, they have a much better chance of saving money, stress, and their structure!

termites in wood furniture

What Do Termites Look Like?

The first step toward preventing termites is being able to identify them. To do this, you need to know what termites look like. Now granted, since termites usually hide inside walls or under floors or in attics or other dark places, you may not ever see them. However, if you do, you should know what they look like.

Both worker and soldier termites are tan or cream. Additionally, they don’t have wings which makes them able to be identified as workers or soldiers. On the other hand, the swarmer termites have wings and are dark brown or black in body color. Some say that these swarmer termites look like flying ants because they have wings. The termites with wings also reproduce, so you may see them flying to new colonies. Because of this, you may be more likely to see swarmers than soldiers or workers.

Signs of an Oklahoma Termite Infestation

Although you may see termite swarmers, particularly during spring and summer, you are likely to be able to identify termites in other ways. Certain signs can help you figure out if there is an infestation in your home or building. By being aware of these signs, you may be able to more quickly notice and eliminate termites, therefore reducing the amount of damage they may cause.

Five ways to look for termites are:

  • 1 Noticing a sound that sounds like soft clicking coming from the insides of walls
  • 2 Observing floorboards that have started to make a sound when walked on (usually a squeaking sound). They also may feel like they are buckling.
  • 3 If you see water damage around your home, this may signal a termite infestation.
  • 4 Discovering tiny piles of little pellets. These may be near wooden structures such as walls. Termite pellets, or droppings, are commonly known as frass.
  • 5 If doors and windows are all of a sudden seemingly too small for their frames, this also may be an early sign of termites.
termite droppings at an outside banister

Unfortunately, if you have noticed any of these signs, there is a good chance that termites are present at your home. Trying to remove them yourself can often cause additional stress, time, money, and even damage. Rather than adding that to your plate, it is wise to contact your local pest control expert and let them help. Don’t let the termites win!

Termite Prevention in Tulsa

If you are lucky enough not to have noticed any signs of termite infestations, you can turn your attention toward termite prevention. Termites in Tulsa can be plentiful, so it is wise to try and keep them entirely out of your property!

Four ways that you can use simple steps to discourage termites are:

  • 1 Fixing leaky plumbing, throwing away wood that has water damage, and taking similar actions to reduce the moisture content that is around your property
  • 2 Putting a barrier between the foundation and the soil of your home or building
  • 3 Stacking firewood in an area at least 30 feet from your home or building that is also dry
  • 4 Discussing further steps with a trusted pest control expert

If you are uncertain about whether you have termites, be safe and not sorry! Emtec Pest Control can also identify openings, cracks, moisture sources, or other potential termite attractions while also giving you the peace of mind provided by the Sentricon® System. Our experts will help you devise a plan to keep your home safe and free from termites!

At Emtec Pest Control, we are committed to safe and responsible pest control. We understand that your family’s safety is your number one priority, so we make it our priority, too.

If you have any other questions about any of these pests or pest control for your home or business, contact your Oklahoma pest control experts at Emtec Pest Control by calling us or by filling out our online contact form.

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