Termites can cause significant damage to your home, and they can be difficult to get rid of if the problem goes unnoticed for too long. Use these tips to spot signs of a potential termite infestation so you can take the proper steps to rid your home of these pests before they cause costly damage.

Signs Of Structural Damage

Termite damage can be found in various places throughout your home if the insects are living in your home. They eat more than just wood, so be sure to carefully inspect all areas of your home. Termites can chew through a variety of durable substances, such as plaster, drywall and aluminum siding. This means that they can chew their way into your home. If you see signs of decay on the exterior of your home, contact your pest control expert right away. If the insects are on the outside of the house, they may already be inside.

Damage To Furniture

Some termite will actually build a colony inside of its food source. You may find a termite colony inside an antique piece of furniture, wooden staircases or even wood flooring. You may see cracks begin to appear in the wood, or you may even see a termite in your home. They can quickly spread throughout your house, so be sure to contact an extermination professional. If the damage is inside a piece of furniture, you may want to consider moving it outside to help prevent further problems inside the house.

Mud Tubes

Subterranean termites will burrow their way into your home through mud tunnels they build in the ground. They connect the tunnels with mud tubes that provide an entryway into their food source (your home). These tubes are large enough that they can be seen in your crawl space or near the foundation of your house.

Piles Of Wings

Termites shed their wings as part of their life cycle, and like many pests, they don't care about leaving a mess behind. You may find piles of wings in your home, which is a clear indication that termites have decided to move in with you. Your pest control expert will be able to help you get rid of the problem.

Of course, prevention is the best cure when it comes to infestations. Be sure to keep your home's exterior free from lawn debris, piles of firewood, and any other potential food sources a termite might find appetizing. If you don't have termites but want to prevent an infestation, consider scheduling an appointment with a pest control expert to inspect your home and provide additional information that is customized for you.

For more information, contact Rice's Inc Termite & Pest Control or a similar company.