What We Check In a Termite Inspection

Thinking about calling an exterminator to take a look at your house or property for a possible termite infestation? The possibility of termites taking up residence near you is very real here in Oklahoma. They have the ability to cause extensive damages that can be quite expensive to repair. Definitely call the termite experts at Emtec Pest Control if you suspect that termites have been gobbling up any wood near you. We can give you a free termite inspection where we will check for the following signs of termites:

Wood Damage

It can be difficult to see wood damage from the surface because termites eat wood from the inside. So, we will tap around on wood beams and other wooden structures to see if we can hear flat sounds that possibly indicate the wood is hollow. Damaged wood can also be easily punctured. Don’t worry, we will only poke around on wood that normally won’t be seen.

Mud Tubes

Termites build tubes of mud to access the wood they’re eating. The tubes are usually the thickness of a pencil, can be squiggly or straight, and look like encrusted, dried out dirt. We will look for these tubes along the foundation, near the pipes, in the crawlspace, in the basement, in the attic, and around any other access points.

Piles of Sawdust and Mud in Joints

Termites are voracious eaters and tedious builders. Sometimes they can leave little piles of what looks like sawdust laying around. They will also seal small gaps with mud to make themselves more comfortable since they dehydrate easily. We look for these little piles of sawdust and look for crusted dirt in small holes and cracks in sheetrock and concrete.

Evidence of Swarmers

Unfortunately, this evidence can usually only be found in the spring; the season when termites are actually swarming. We look for the presence of winged termites by checking window sills, doors, porches, decks, and sidewalks for any of their gossamer wings that they leave behind. If wings are found, there’s a good chance that termites are nesting nearby and possibly using the wood on your property as a food source.

Wood Around Property

Although this is not a major indicator that termites have infested your property, where there’s wood, there’s always the potential for termites. We check for wood features around the property that could possibly harbor termites, like fencing, mulch, firewood, fallen limbs, bundles of twigs, and other wooden structures.