Termites are a hidden threat to your home that can do a lot of damage. The best way to protect your home is by getting termite control before the infestation spreads too far. To do this, all homeowners should understand the signs of a termite infestation and the consequences of leaving it alone.

A Guide to Termite Control & Infestations

The Signs

Termites are tough to see because they like darkness, but you can recognize an infestation if you know the traces they leave around the property. You may see shelter tubes, which look like strips of mud, across barriers such as metal capping on your walls or bricks. You may also see their tiny pellet droppings, or frass, near where they enter the home.

These entry holes to their tunnels may accumulate small piles of sawdust on the ground beneath them as termites push out the extra wood. If you put your ear to the wall where you suspect there are tunnels, you may hear tapping, as this is how they communicate with each other. If you can hear termites, then it’s likely already a heavily infested area.

The Damage

The specific type of damage an infestation does will depend on the type of termites you have and how long you wait to get termite control. In general you can expect a lot of damage to the wood in and around your building. Some termites, such as dry wood termites, live inside the wood and build tunnels within them. Meanwhile, subterranean termites live below the ground and consume the wood; a colony of a million can eat around 15 pounds of wood per week. The most common damage homeowners deal with includes the home’s support beams, insulation, foundation, door frames, and furniture. Plumbing can also become damaged, which will cause water damage throughout the home.

If you have any reason to suspect an infestation, hire professionals to conduct termite inspections right away. Treating a colony before it spreads can save you thousands of dollars in property damage. Bugout Termite & Pest Control, located in Glen Burnie, MD, and serving the entire Baltimore metro area, has offered residential pest control since 1988 and specializes in effective, green termite control options. Request an appointment online or call (410) 760-6065 to schedule your estimate.