How to Spot Termites
WouterTermites are wood-boring insects. They can cause serious structural damage in your home. These insects can be difficult to spot, but once you know what to look for, you can take the necessary steps to prevent the infestation.
Termites eat cellulose, a substance found in wood. They may leave fecal pellets or frass, or they may swarm. These signs of an infestation can be tricky to spot, but a professional home inspection can help you pinpoint the problem.
Drywood termites are commonly found in southern coastal states. They’re also a common pest in homes in the United States. They’re very tough to get rid of on your own.
The typical size of a drywood termite is about 5/8 of an inch long. Their head is a bit larger than that, and they have a thick mandible with teeth. They’re a pale brown or yellowish brown in color.
They’re not poisonous, but their droppings can be irritating to your skin. Their poop is high in magnesium content and some African tribes use it as a dietary supplement. Termites can be a problem even if you don’t see them, as they can enter your home through open windows or doors.
Termite swarms are a sign of a colony nearby. Swarms usually occur at night. Some swarms will fly around looking for an exit. Then the colony will attack your home, but the swarmers will sometimes elude the surface.
Termite swarms often appear in groups of several hundred. During this time, the swarmers are searching for mates.
