A termite infestation might go undetected for some time. But at some point, you might begin to notice signs of a termite problem, such as:
- Piles of stuff that look like ash or pepper
- Discarded wings (from adult females looking for a new place to nest)
- Sagging or weak wood
- Tapping sounds
- Shelter tubes
- Earthen “packing” on the surface of foundation walls or at joints
- Blowholes or signs of nests in the trees in your yard
Once you notice signs of a termite infestation, the problem has probably existed for around three to five years. That’s because termites are small and work in hidden areas. The situation often goes undetected until they reach such numbers that you can’t avoid seeing the telltale signs.
At this point you might be tempted to grab an over-the-counter product at your favorite hardware store. The main ingredient in these treatments is pyrethrin, which kills termites on contact. The problem here is that you will only be able to kill the termites you can see. When you see signs of a termite infestation, generally this means that the main nest can be twelve to fifteen feet away, deep inside the walls or foundation of your home. You won’t be getting the pyrethrin in these areas, and therefore the termite infestation will persist in hidden areas of your home. You will only mask the symptoms.
If you see signs of a termite infestation, call us immediately for a professional consultation. We can get to the termite nest itself, and eradicate the problem. It is important to address this situation immediately, so that you can avoid further damage to the structure of your home.