As you kick back to watch your favorite Netflix series, you suddenly hear chewing in your living room walls. And deep down, you fear that one of the worst things has happened in your home. Your home has fallen victim to a termite infestation.
Sadly, a termite infestation costs the average American homeowner more than $560 per linear foot, which can translate to thousands of dollars depending on the size of the infestation.
The reality is, a noisy wall — which occurs when termites bang their heads on your wall’s wood — isn’t the only sign of a termite infestation. Here is a rundown on three other signs that you may want to call a pest control service this summer.
Let’s dig in!
1. Termites That Are Flying
One of the first signs your home is infested with termites is that you randomly spot flying termites, also known as alates or swarmers.
These creatures are females and males that have vacated their nest in search of mates. They can then create a brand-new colony either in or near your house.
Note that some termite species swarm during the night, at which time you may see them drawn to your home’s light sources. Meanwhile, others swarm during the daytime.
You can tell you’re dealing with a termite if the insect is light brown or white, has a soft body, and is a quarter of an inch to half an inch long.
2. Hollow Sounds in the Wall
Yet another sign you need to contact a pest control company, like Norman Pest Control, is that your wall sounds hollow when you tap or knock on it.
Termites typically move from the inside to the outside when consuming wood. If your timber is fully or partially eaten away, your wall may sound papery or hollow.
3. Trouble with Window or Door
You may also be dealing with a termite infestation if you find that one of your doors is tight fitting. The same is true if a window is unusually difficult to open.
Why? Because termites produce moisture when consuming wood and making their way through window and door frames. This causes warping in your frames’ wood, which can make it hard for you to open your windows and doors.
Overcome a Termite Infestation with Confidence This Summer
The eating habits of termites can unfortunately cause your home major structural damage. And unfortunately, some homeowners don’t discover this damage until long after the problem began.
The good news? If you understand the top signs of a terminate infestation, then you can nip the problem in the bud before it grows into a more extensive and costly issue.
Consider the above-listed signs of termite infestation when inspecting your home, and contact a professional pest control company right away if you notice any of these signs.
Also, if you enjoyed reading this article, check out the rest of our website for more great content.