5 Signs Your Home is Infested With Termites

Most houses in India, both apartments and villas, use timber whether in their doors and windows or as woodwork for furnishing a house. Since the quality of wood varies proportionately with the prices, we sometimes compromise on the wood to be uses. The result is settling for wood products that have not been treated for insects and pests. And this is when termites kick in. Termites are incredibly destructive and can cause tremendous damage in a very short time. Hence, booking pest control services at the earliest possible is best. But you can do this only when you know there is a termite infestation. So, let’s find out signs pointing to termite infestation.

5 Signs Your Home is Infested With Termites

Most houses in India, both apartments and villas, use timber whether in their doors and windows or as woodwork for furnishing a house. Since the quality of wood varies proportionately with the prices, we sometimes compromise on the wood to be uses. The result is settling for wood products that have not been treated for insects and pests. And this is when termites kick in. Termites are incredibly destructive and can cause tremendous damage in a very short time. Hence, booking pest control services at the earliest possible is best. But you can do this only when you know there is a termite infestation. So, let’s find out signs pointing to termite infestation.

Top 5 Signs of Termite Infestation

1. Mud Tubes: Perhaps the most recognisable sign of a termite infestation, mud tubes generally spread out from the ground along walls. They are also an indicator that their nest is close by. Simply breaking them and cleaning out the dirt will not get rid of termites in the area. These mud tubes may also appear on large woody plants or trees in your garden or around your home. The termites themselves may then start attacking wooden furniture, cabinets, and even picture frames inside your home. Even if your home is in a high-rise apartment building, you are not completely safe. Termites have been found on the highest floors of the Burj Khalifa – by that standard, no building in India is safe. If you ever see mud tubes (or even one), call in the professional and book pest control services

2. Signs of Wood Damage: Termites are not the same as wood-boring beetles. Certain species of beetles lay their eggs on or just under a wooden surface. The larva then bores through the wood over several months (or even years) leaving behind bores in the wood that are the size of paper-punch holes. Many people who have lived their entire lives in the city have never actually seen a wood-boring larva, but may have heard the scraping noises coming from wooden doors and furniture in moments of silence. While these beetle larvae can damage your furniture or cabinets, they do not completely eat away the wood. Instead, they leave a tunnel that can be easily plugged by a carpenter. Termites, on the other hand, will completely eat through the wood just below the surface. Any external holes they produce are quite small (about the size left by a needle prick). The wood dust produced by termites is also a lot more coarse and heavier than the fine powder produced by beetles. So what does all this mean? Well, if you find a small hole in the wood, tap the area around it to see if it feels hollow. Only the extensive damage caused by termites will either break the outer layer or produce a hollow sound. In any case, you will want to call in the experts to determine if the hole was caused by termites or beetles. If it is termites, you will definitely need a professional termite control service.

3. Stuck Doors and Windows: Most doors, windows, and their frames in our homes are still made from wood. They are generally the first places where termites attack since they can access them from below the floor or from outside your home. Stuck doors are usually the result of the wood naturally expanding. However, sometimes termites could be the cause. Check the frames and the window or door carefully to check for any signs like hollowness, small holes, wood dust, or mud tubing. By now, you know what to do if you see anything suspicious.

4. Termite Mounds: Termites are not of one single type. There are many species and sub-species that have different looks and preferences. While some termites live and build colonies within the wood, subterranean termites live underground in the soil. These species are notable for building the famous termite mounds you may have seen on TV or even in person. A termite mound, however small, on your property or a park close to your home is a danger sign that signals a potentially vast network of underground tunnels.

5. Termite Swarms: Termite swarms are common on warm and humid evenings, particularly during late monsoon. Each of these large winged termites can potentially be the new queen of a fresh colony. Termite swarms are generally localized, but some individuals may be able to fly over several hundreds of metres. Needless to say, any sign of a swarm is an indication of an existing colony and soon to form new colonies. Book pest control services shortly after you see one in your area to investigate if your home is infected.

Why Book Pest Control Services for Termites?

Eradicating termites is not as easy as most other household pests. There is no bug spray for termites. Traditional and outdated methods to control termites use dangerous chemicals that severely harm our health as well as stain or even damage walls and furniture. Also, calling in your local trusted carpenter or handy-man will not yield effective results. Thankfully, you can rely on Urban Company to do a thorough job. We use extremely safe chemicals and our pest control professionals spray with great care so no nearby furniture or wall is damaged. Thus you end up spending less since you don’t have to repaint or repair anything. Moreover, you don’t have to call in for more help after just a few days.

[You can also read: Top 10 Pest Control Tips ]

Table: Price Guide for Termite Control Services Offered by Urban Company (Termite Treatment Cost)