What To Do If You Think Your Orange County Home Has Termites

You're Not Likely To Ever Actually See A Termite

Termites are known for causing extensive damage to homes, often going unnoticed until the damage is already done. Before we discuss why you're not likely to see termites on your property or in your home, let's first discuss what clues you can look for to detect active termites.

Tubes: One of the most common warning signs of a termite infestation is the presence of mud tubes. These tubes, which are about the width of a pencil, are created by subterranean termites and are used to travel from their underground nests to the wood they are feeding on. You may find these mud tubes on your foundation walls, exterior walls, or in the crawl space under your home if you have subterranean termites.

Wings: Another telltale warning sign of a termite infestation is the presence of discarded wings. Termites often swarm in the spring, during which time they will shed their wings after mating. These discarded wings can be found near windows, doors, and light sources. If you have drywood termites or a severe infestation of subterranean termites, you may find wings in your home. 

Damage: In addition to mud tubes and discarded wings, you should also watch for evidence of termite damage. To locate subterranean termite damage, you'll need to explore areas that are damp or inspect wood close to the soil. To locate drywood termite damage, inspect window sills, door frames, and baseboards in your home.

Clicking: In rare cases, termites make a clicking or rustling sound. It is the sound of soldiers tapping their heads on their tunnel walls. They do this to warn the workers of invading ants or some other enemy.

Feces: If you have a drywood termite infestation, you may notice droppings, which are called frass. Frass looks like small piles of sawdust and can often be found near areas where these termites are active.

Now that you know the signs, let's discuss why these signs are often hard to find. It has to do with the kind of termites leaving these signs. We're not talking about whether they're subterranean or drywood termites. We're referring to the caste. There are two kinds of termites that will likely leave warning signs: Workers and swarmers. Why not soldiers too? While termite soldiers make the clicking noises we mentioned earlier, it is rare for an enemy to enter termite tunnels, particularly inside homes. Termite workers seal holes in tunnel walls, and soldiers use their heads to plug holes that the workers need to patch. They work together to keep enemy organisms out. So, we'll focus on the signs provided by the workers and soldiers. Here are some facts you should know:

• Termite workers hide in the ground or inside the wood they're eating. You can have hundreds of thousands in your home and never see them. Subterranean termite workers are particularly good at hiding from view.
• Termite workers avoid the light. They don't even like to come out in the moonlight. 
• Subterranean termite workers stay in the tunnels where it is moist. They are simple organisms with thin skins, and they dry out easily. So, they'll stay hidden to avoid light and dry conditions.
• Termite workers are quiet while they eat the wood of your home. They don't munch. They scrape on wood. 
• Termite swarmers are only 3/8 inches. While you won't likely miss a termite swarm in your house, you might not notice one little swarmer that lands on your skin while you're out in the yard. You'll need to keep watch. 
• Termite swarms last a short time. They mate quickly and disappear into the ground or cracks in your home. A swarm can appear in your yard and dissipate in the time it takes to go watch a movie at the theater.

Termites are sneaky. The way they damage your home is also sneaky. We touched on how you may look for termite damage, but it bears more discussion. Let's take a closer look.

Know The Warning Signs Of Termite Damage

Termite damage is often hidden in dark places that are hidden from the light, and the damage caused by termites is done on the inside of wood. You'll have to put your detective hat on to find the clues.

Trenches: If you find damage that looks like trenches on top of each other, you've likely found termite damage. Subterranean termite tunnels will feel gritty to the touch. Drywood termite tunnels will feel smooth. 

Hollow-sounding wood: If the wood in your home sounds hollow when you tap on it, it could be a sign of termite damage.

Honeycomb dents: When termites tunnel in your baseboards, you may start to see dents on the surface of the wood.

Buckling or swollen floors: Termites can cause the floors in your home to buckle or become swollen.

Sagging or drooping drywall: Drywall that appears to be sagging or drooping could be a sign of termite damage.

If you notice any of these warning signs, it's important to contact a certified termite control professional as soon as possible to inspect your home and assess the extent of the damage. For assistance with termites in Orange County, contact HomeShield Pest Control.

Causes And Factors For Termite Infestations

You now know how to detect evidence of a termite infestation, but what can you do to prevent termites from munching on your home in the first place? One way is to consider the factors that lead to infestations. Termites are attracted to warm, humid environments and are drawn to wood and other cellulose-based materials. Consider these factors that can increase the risk of a termite infestation in your Orange County home.

Wood-to-Soil Contact: If your home has any wood-to-soil contact, such as wooden porch steps, tree roots touching your foundation or untreated wood in your landscaping, it can provide termites with easy access to your home.

Water Damage: Leaks, broken pipes, or other water damage can create moist environments that attract termites. Addressing and fixing any moisture issues in your home is essential to reducing the risk of a termite infestation.

Construction Issues: Poor construction or renovations can create entry points for termites. Cracks in your foundation, gaps around pipes or vents, and improperly sealed windows and doors can all provide easy access for termites.

Landscaping: Your yard can play a role in attracting termites to your home. Trees or bushes that are planted too close to your home can provide a bridge for termites to enter. Additionally, mulch or other landscaping materials can create moist environments that termites are drawn to.

Location: Some areas are naturally more prone to termite infestations than others. In Orange County, for example, the climate makes it an ideal environment for termites. There isn't much we can do about that.

When you address these factors you can deter termites from encroaching upon your home and finding a bite to eat inside your home. Doing so will reduce the risk of termite damage. While your hard work won't guarantee a termite-free home, it is better to do something than to do nothing at all.