Did you know that termites cause an estimated $5 billion worth of property damage in the United States every year? That’s a staggering figure, and if you own a home in Lakewood, it’s important to be aware of the early signs of termite damage.
Termites can silently wreak havoc on your home, causing structural damage that can be costly to repair. But how do you know if your home is at risk? In this discussion, we will explore the key indicators that can help you identify potential termite infestations in Lakewood homes, allowing you to take proactive measures to protect your property.
When inspecting for termite damage in Lakewood homes, you must closely examine the condition of the wood. Termites feed on wood, and their presence can cause significant damage to the structure of your home. Look for signs of hollowed or damaged wood, as well as mud tubes or tunnels on the surface. These tunnels are used by termites to travel and protect themselves from the outside environment.
Pay attention to areas where wood comes into contact with soil, such as the foundation or wooden structures close to the ground. These areas are particularly vulnerable to termite infestations.
You can easily identify termite damage in Lakewood homes by looking for the presence of mud tubes. These tubes are one of the most common signs of a termite infestation.
Termites build these tunnels as a way to travel from their nests to their food sources, which are often the wooden structures of your home. Mud tubes are typically made of soil, wood particles, and termite saliva, and they provide protection and moisture for the termites.
You may find these tubes along the foundation walls, in crawl spaces, or even inside your home. If you notice mud tubes, it’s crucial to take immediate action and call a professional pest control service to inspect and treat your home for termites.
Ignoring the presence of mud tubes can lead to significant structural damage and costly repairs in the future.
To further address the issue of termite damage in Lakewood homes, it’s important to understand the behavior and impact of swarming termites. Swarming termites are reproductive termites that emerge from colonies in search of new locations to establish nests. They’re attracted to light and can often be seen swarming around windows and light fixtures. These termites have wings and are capable of flying short distances.
Swarming is a sign that a termite infestation is present in or near your home. If you notice swarming termites, it’s crucial to take immediate action to prevent further damage. Contacting a professional pest control service is recommended to properly assess the situation and implement effective treatment strategies.
If you tap on wood in your Lakewood home and it sounds hollow, it may be a sign of termite damage. Termites eat away at the wood from the inside out, creating hollow spaces within the structure. When you tap on the wood, the sound it produces is dull and empty, indicating that the termites have already caused significant damage.
This is a clear warning sign that you shouldn’t ignore. If left untreated, termite infestations can weaken the structural integrity of your home and lead to costly repairs. It’s important to contact a professional pest control company immediately if you suspect termite activity. They’ll be able to assess the situation and provide appropriate treatment to eliminate the termites and prevent further damage.
Termites leave behind discarded wings as a clear indication of their presence in your Lakewood home. These wings are shed by the reproductive termites, also known as swarmers, when they find a suitable location to start a new colony.
Discarded wings are often found near windowsills, doorways, or other entry points where termites enter your home. These wings are about 1/4 inch long and are usually translucent or light brown in color.
Finding these wings is a sign that a termite infestation may be present in your home. It’s important to take immediate action if you discover discarded wings, as termites can cause significant damage to your property if left unchecked.
Contact a professional pest control company to inspect your home and provide the necessary treatment to eliminate the termites.