Termite Control Methods Formulated With Indianapolis Homes In Mind
The termites we mostly deal with in our Indianapolis service area are called subterranean termites. As the name suggests, these termites live under the terrain. Subterranean termites are the most destructive kind of termite because they're incredibly sneaky. Today, we'll share some tricks to help you detect these sneaky insects, explain some of the ways termite activity goes unnoticed, and how to evaluate the severity of a termite problem. Then, we'll share details of how professionals effectively get rid of termites in Indianapolis. You'll find everything you need to help you find the right plan for your property.
As always, we're here if you need advice or service. Action Pest Controlis a premium pest control service provider in the top 100 of more than 15,000 registered companies in the industry. You're in good hands with our team of over 70 well-trained, state-certified pest management professionals. Connect with us for trusted termite control in Indianapolis.
Mud Tubes And Other Signs Of Termite Activity
If your home has no proactive termite control, performing routine inspections to check for termite activity is critical. One way to find active termites is to look for the mud tubes they create. Let's begin with termite mud tube identification.
Mud Tubes:
Termites may create tubes made of mud to travel from the ground into structures where they find wood-to-soil contact. These tubes start off looking like thin lines of mud but may start to branch off as they climb foundation walls or thicken as they build tubes on top of each other.
Termite Damage:
Most damage caused by termites is on the inside of wooden structures. You'll need to tap on wood to detect damage like this to see if beams or studs sound hollow. You may also notice splintering as timbers weaken. If termite damage is exposed, it may look a bit like corrugated cardboard edges at first. If you look closely, you'll see that the damage is actually termite tunnels stacked on top of each other.
Swarmers:
Termite colonies will produce winged termites. These members, called swarmers, gather together in a swarm during their nuptial flight. If you see a swarm on or near your property, you won't have trouble noticing it if it is out in the sunlight. Swarmers have long white wings that catch the light. But swarmers aren't easy to detect when hidden underneath structures, which can occur when they first emerge from a nest in the ground.
Wings:
When termites mate, they shed their wings. These wings can provide a warning sign of termite activity on your property. Look for the wings in hidden places as termite swarmers look for a suitable place for their offspring to thrive, and dark, damp locations are preferable.
Worker Termites:
You might get lucky and see worker termites as you are out in your yard. You may find them hiding underneath objects in your yard, particularly stacked wood and branches. A worker termite is about 1/8 of an inch, pale in color, and looks a bit like a fat ant.
These warning signs are straightforward and easy to understand. Unfortunately, it isn't always easy to catch them. As we pointed out earlier, termites are incredibly sneaky. Let's take a look at how these warning signs may go unnoticed.
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How To Determine The Severity Of A Termite Infestation
There are a few things you can assume when you see signs of termites in your yard or home. Let's go back over some of the warning signs we listed above and explain what they may mean. Some are worse than others.
What does it mean when you see a termite swarmer?
One swarmer may provide an early warning sign of an impending termite problem. When a swarm dissipates, the reproductives disperse. That swarmer may have come from a swarm on a nearby property.
What does it mean when swarmers gather around your home?
When swarmers emerge in your yard, you may see them congregate on exterior surfaces. If you see swarmers, you should know that they are produced by a mature colony, and it takes more than three years for a colony to mature.
What does it mean when you have swarmers inside your home?
Swarmers don't intentionally invade your home. Their job is to establish nests in the ground, and there is no soil in your home. If you see swarmers inside, it is evidence of a nest close to your house. What likely occurred is those swarmers got confused and accidentally emerged indoors instead of outdoors.
What does it mean when you find a handful of termite workers in your yard?
It is easy to shrug off a termite problem. A few workers don't seem like much to worry about, but those termites are letting you know that there is a termite colony in the ground near your home. It is best to get it checked out.
If you find termite activity, what can you do about it? Let's turn our attention to termite control and look at what a termite control professional will use to prevent termite damage and provide your home with ongoing termite protection.