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  • Most people are terrified of the word '"termites," and for good reason. If termites find their way into a building, they generally spread very rapidly, damage virtually all wooden furniture items and structural features, and in extreme cases, can even cause an entire house to collapse. This is why you need to be extremely cautious, and check frequently for the presence of termites. Treat the first sign of an infestation as an immediate call for action.

    Swarming Termites

    This is the easiest way to tell if you have a termite problem. Like most other insects, termites are attracted to light. So, if you see them swarming or flying near a light source inside your home, you undoubtedly have a termite infestation. Termites look similar to ants but they only have two body segments, even-sized sets of wings and are usually white or light in color. Even if you don't notice the termites themselves, you may find termite wings on the floor when you wake up in the morning, or clean a certain part of your house. This is because the wings fall away from the insect when it dies. If you see swarming termites or termite wings in the yard or garden outside your house, it does not necessarily mean that the termites have reached within, but it is definitely time to begin initiating pest control measures. Bear in mind that you are most likely to see swarming termites during the rainy season or just before a rainstorm.

    Tunneling

    If you see mazes of pencil-thick dirt tunnels on your walls, wooden structures or furniture, it is a sign of termites. The tunnels will also indicate where the termite nests are, since the termites make these tunnels to get to a food source from their nests.

    Wood Damage

    If you have an alert eye, you don't need to wait till you see the physical presence of termites in your house. If you notice damage to any wooden structure in your house, and find it to be honeycombed or carved out, it is very likely that you have termites. Even holes in the wood or the walls, and the presence of sawdust-like powder near your doors or windows potentially indicate termites. In fact, if you notice any of these forms of damage, look closely and you will certainly discover the tunnels and the wings as well.

    Preempt The Damage

    If you see any of the signs mentioned above, you have a problem on your hands, because termite damage has already begun. However, if you haven't seen any of those signs, it does not necessarily mean that you have no cause for worry. For all you know, your termite problem is just beginning. The signs of damage only come later. However, you don't need to wait for them. It will save you a lot of hassle, if you get your home inspected by your local pest control authority periodically. They will be able to nip any problem in the bud, and you will be able to make sure that your home stays termite-free. In fact, they will probably teach you some safe precautionary daily measures that you can implement to prevent termites from getting into your home.

    Source:

    The Termite Threat: Common Questions

    How Do I know if I Have Termites?

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