Termites are wood-eating pests that are excellent at staying hidden. Recognize the signs of an infestation to know when to schedule termite treatment. Addressing the issue early will help prevent the colony from growing and compromising the wood’s stability. Here are a few red flags to keep on your radar.

How to Know If You Need Termite Treatment

1. Mud Tubes

Subterranean termites need moisture to survive. Rather than living inside the wood they feed on, this species keeps their colonies in the soil near the foundation of a structure. To safely travel back and forth to their food source, they build mud tubes along the exterior and interior walls. These tubes are typically found in crawl spaces, behind shrubs, under decks, and  on the backs of closets.

2. Damaged Wood & Walls

Termites eat wood from the inside out, so act quickly if you notice visible damage because the wood may not be structurally sound. Strong indications of an infestation are sagging drywall, buckling wood floors, and the sound of hollow wood. You may also see damaged wood—it’ll look chewed, gnawed, or carved with knives. Additionally, you may notice cracks in wood structures, like patios, decks, and beams.

3. Swarmers

Once a termite colony matures, it’ll produce swarmers that leave the nest to begin a new one. This occurs during the spring and fall, and the winged insects are only visible for about 30 minutes. If you see them outside, they may be trying to find a way indoors to nest. If they’re flying around inside, it’s likely that an infestation has already developed, and you’ll need immediate termite treatment.

4. Discarded Wings & Droppings

Swarmers shed their wings after pairing with a mate, so you’ll notice piles of discarded wings if a termite problem is present. These are typically found on windowsills, around exterior lights, near doors, or throughout the yard. In addition to their wings, drywood termites will often leave behind tiny pellet droppings, which resemble sawdust or coffee grounds.

If you suspect termite activity on your property, turn to Safeguard Pest Control in California. These licensed professionals have provided residents throughout the Mother Lode with reliable extermination services for over 40 years. They’ll use advanced tools and techniques to quickly determine the extent of an infestation, then provide the most suitable treatment. Get more information about their services online, or call (209) 267-1200 to request a free on-site estimate.