Eight Signs Of Termite Activity Around Your Phoenix Property

When it comes to many pest infestations, the quicker you are able to identify and remove them, the easier your life becomes. This could not be truer than with termites that are known to cause billions of dollars’ worth of property damage every year in the United States. Termites feed on organic material that is found in wood which means if they get into your Phoenix property, you could be left with a hefty repair bill. That’s why it is important for you to know what the signs of a termite infestation are. That way, you can react quickly and keep your property damage to a minimum.

Identifying Termites

Termites are small ant-like pests that have six legs, two antennae, and are pale yellow, brown, or black in color. Termites build colonies that consist of three castes: workers, soldiers, and reproductives. While workers are tasked with finding food, soldiers use their strong mandibles to protect the colony. Reproductives, or swarmers, are winged termites that, during swarming season, will set out to create new colonies. Because most termites either remain within the wood they are eating or underground, it is unlikely that you will ever see termites in your home unless it is during a termite swarm. As such, you need to know other signs to look for to identify a termite infestation.

Signs Of A Termite Infestation In Your Home

Given that you are unlikely to spot actual termites unless there is a swarm, you must rely on other signs that indicate an infestation. These include:

• Tight-fitting doors or windows.
• Floors that creak excessively when you walk on them.
• Soft, clicking noises coming from the walls.
• Wallpaper that looks water-damaged and bubbly.
• Small holes in any wood inside your home.
• Mud tubes on the foundation of your home.
• The appearance of frass (wood shavings) on the ground or floor. 
• The shed wings of swarmers.

If you see any of these signs, contact the professionals at Bug Science right away.

Termite Prevention Techniques

If you do not currently have any signs that indicate there may be a termite infestation in your home, there are still some preventative measures you should take to limit your exposure to future infestations. These include:

• Limit wood-to-soil contact around your home including fence posts, porches, and decks.
• Create a gravel or concrete barrier between the soil and the exterior of your home.
• Replace any rotting or moisture-damaged wood in your home.
• Have termite prevention services from pest professionals.
• Use dehumidifiers inside your home.
• Seal any cracks in the foundation of your home.
• Inspect any wooden furniture or other wood objects for termite activity before bringing them into your home.

If you can accomplish these steps, you should be able to greatly reduce your odds of dealing with a termite infestation.

What To Do If Termites Infest Your Home

Unfortunately, the fact is, you can take all the preventative measures in the world, and termites could still find a way to infest your home. If such is the case with you, don’t waste your time, money, and energy trying to take care of it by yourself. Instead, contact the trained pest professionals here at Bug Science right away.

Here at Bug Science, we know what it takes to effectively eliminate termite infestations in your Phoenix home. That’s because our trained pest technicians have the experience and expertise required to successfully remove any termite infestation with which you are currently dealing. We will also work with you to take the necessary precautions to protect your home from future termite infestations. Don’t get stuck holding the bill for these costly pests. Call Bug Science today for immediate home pest control and commercial pest control services in Phoenix.