There are some insects that go dormant in the winter. Some even die off. Termites do neither of these. If termites enter your home in fall, they will not hibernate, they will get to work doing what they were made to do: eat wood and create fertile soil. They will do this silently, inside your walls, where you aren't able to see them. By spring you will have a home repair nightmare on your hands. That is why it is so important to recognize the signs of termite infestation.
- When termites come, they come in a swarm. If you've seen their gossamer wings littered on your window sills or back deck and didn't realize they were termite wings, now you know. No other insect leaves wings all over the place.
- Subterranean termites create mud tunnels to travel from the soil up under your siding, or directly into holes they have eaten through your exterior walls. These mud tunnels look like veins on your foundation wall and can sometimes be hidden by shrubs, flowers, bushes, and exterior structures. If you find mud tunnels and wonder if termites are actively using those tunnels, break off a piece and check back in a day to see if it has been repaired.
- If you have termites, you will sometimes see damage to outside structures, like your fence, patio, deck, porch, or shed. It will look as if someone took a sander, or large wood carver to the wood.
- Sometimes you'll find patches of paint or wallpaper missing on interior and exterior walls.
- Basement support beams can have deep grooves in them. Go down into your cellar and see if you can see holes or grooves.
- Bulges in your floor can appear as long lines.
- Windows and doors not closing properly is another sign, but if you are experiencing this, you probably already have massive damage.
If you find evidence of termite infestation, call a pest control company that uses the Sentricon Termite Colony Elimination System. Sentricon is the single best way to get rid of termites and protect against them. It is like termite insurance. With over $5 billion attributed to termite damage each year in the United States, you'd be crazy not to get protection.