Mud trails and mystery dirt are just two signs indicating an active termite infestation in the household. Termite infestations are among the most common insect infestations in the United States. Consequently, it affects thousands of homes yearly – particularly during hotter months, during which termite infestations are most active. Here are some other ways to spot that you have a potential termite infestation and what you should do to protect your home.
Mud Trails, Mystery Dirt, and Other Signs of Termites
Termite Eggs or Nests
Termite eggs or nests are a sure way to determine that you have termites in the house. However, they can be hard to spot. This is the core of the problem, where you are likely to see most of their signs of termite activity or movement.
Termite eggs can be hidden behind or in things you wouldn’t consider looking at. Sometimes, eggs are nestled in wooden door frames or floorboards. Other times, you might find eggs hidden outside the home.
Nests could be anywhere, and you are more likely to spot signs (like dirt trails) first.
Mud Trails and Mystery Dirt
Mud trails are one of the sure signs of a termite infestation. Termites dig out trails from the dirt. These left-behind signs mean that you might have a mild to moderate infestation. When you find mud trails, you might already have a larger termite infestation than you thought.
Termites dig; that’s just part of their nature. If you’ve ever seen the basics of an ant farm, then you can imagine the behavior of termites in and around the household; it’s pretty much the same thing. However, termites are known to be more aggressive.
Mystery dirt can signal several types of insect infestations, most likely being a termite problem. Look anywhere in the house where heaps of mystery dirt or sand seem to collect. It’s likely to lead to a termite colony or signs of termite damage.
Termite Mud Tubes
Mud tunnels, known as termite tubes, are built by subterranean termites. Termites build mud tubes to provide moisture while traveling between their nest and a food source. Typically, you will find mud tubes on the exterior walls of buildings, along foundation walls, or on other structures.
Learn more: Should I Remove Termite Tubes?
Absence of Other Bugs
If you’ve noticed a sudden absence of other insects in some parts of the house (or an abundance of others suddenly coming inside to hunt), it could also be a potential sign of a termite problem.
Termites are known to be territorial. Where you find termites, you will likely see the things that eat them.
Other Signs of Termites
- Discarded Wings: After swarming, termites shed their wings. Finding piles of discarded wings on windowsills, floors, or spider webs can indicate a termite swarm.
- Termite Droppings: Drywood termites produce tiny, pellet-like feces called frass. Accumulations of frass around the infested area may indicate termite activity.
- Tunnels in Wood: Termites often create tunnels or galleries within wood. Termites eat wood, so if you notice small holes in wooden structures, it may signify termite activity.
Structural Damage
Termites can eat so far into the house that they cause structural damage. They may damage wood to:
- Beams
- Floors
- Home supports
This is where termite problems become severe. Heaps of dirt could mean that you have many termites busy digging your house into sure destruction.
Look for signs of structural wood damage to the house, as this could mean you have a serious termite infestation.
Termite Infestations: Now What?
The best thing you can do with a termite infestation is to call a termite control professional. The best pest control companies will eradicate termites safely and can do so without causing any further damage to the home or household. Effective termite treatment is critical when spotting the early signs of termite damage.
Hire a Professional – ABC Termite & Pest Control Company – Omaha & Lincoln
Find a reputable pest control company in Omaha or Lincoln that you TRUST and ask about their termite inspection and pest management services. You may think you are saving money however, a single misapplication could have significant and adverse or deadly consequences for you or your loved ones. Contact ABC Termite & Pest Control in Omaha & Lincoln, NE to talk with an exterminator today!
