Signs of Termites

And we're back for round 2 of the posts about Termites!

This blog post will focus on how to recognize and identify a termite infestation in your home. This is not the easiest process and you should consult a termite or pest control specialist in your area (that would be All-Way Pest Control if you're from New Jersey or parts of PA! :) ) if you suspect an infestation or if you're concerned that one could occur. The following tips will help you identify if such a problem exists.

(All information is from http://www.termites.com/damage/detection-signs/)

There are many, many signs of termites but several of these could be and are usually overlooked by homeowners. They are mud tubes, droppings, bubbling paint, peeling paint, and hollow or damaged wood.

1) Mud Tubes

    Mud tubes are very thin tubes that are, obviously, made of mud. They are most easily visible on doors. Unfortunately, these tubes can also be found under siding and in cracks of foundation. This makes the tubes much more difficult to find.

2) Droppings

    Termite droppings are called Frass and you will see a large pile underneath wood that has been infested. These piles appear because termites will clean out their nests and push the droppings out of the nest onto the floor (at least they take care of their living space). 

3) Bubbling/Peeling Paint

     Termites like moisture. As a result of this, when they build their nests in your wood they need to bring in moisture. When the moisture is brought into the nest, paint will bubble and peel from that moisture. This is a difficult way to look for termites because bubbling or peeling paint could also be a sign of water damage. If  you see bubbling or peeling paint, first look for a water leak. If none is found, please call a professional to look into the situation as this could be the first sign of termites.

4) Hollow/Damaged Wood

    Here are two pictures of what damaged wood from termites looks like. This first is less extreme damage than the second.

Hopefully this information has been useful. Again, call you local pest control company if you are concerned about a termite infestation as damage can occur VERY quickly (see previous post for the number of eggs laid by the queen a day). If  you have any questions or comments leave a comment in the comment section or send us an email!

It's been so long..... and Termites!

Wow everyone! So sorry for my lack of posts lately. Things have gotten pretty busy around here, especially with spring right around the corner! I promise to be much better about getting posts up weekly so that you have interesting and exciting information to read!

I figure that we will start off the Spring Series of posts with an exciting one: Termites!

Let's begin with facts about termites shall we?

1. Termites are not considered part of the ant family (although they are quite commonly called ants) but are actually part of the cockroach family.  

2. Females can lay up to 2000 eggs a day!!!! (And you wonder why you have so many in your house...)

3. Males and females mate for life, which can be up to 45 years

4. Termites have specific jobs: worker and soldier termites work to do the Queen's bidding

5. The nests of termites are divided into specific chambers including a nursery for the hatching eggs and an area where water is collected

In our next post we'll talk about what to look for with termites and what happens when you find some!