How to Recognize a Termite Problem

Termite Swarming

Large swarms of winged insects inside and/or around the home are the most obvious sign of termite activity. Swarming occurs when reproductive male and female termites exit the colony and attempt to begin building a new colony. Since it takes most termite colonies at least three years to produce termite swarms, swarming inside a structure is a likely sign of an ongoing termite problem.

When Do Termites Swarm?

Termites swarm at various times each year according to geographic regions, species type and weather conditions. As a general rule, most subterranean termites normally swarm under these conditions in the spring or fall.

What Other Signs Should Homeowners Watch For?

• Dead termites or wings around windows, doors, heating vents, or in bathtubs and sinks.
• Termite mud tubes on walls located outside or inside the structure. The tubes are either round or flat and usually measure at least 1/4 inch or wider. They look like their name ? a tube of mud.
• Damaged wood. Termites eat from the inside of the wood out, so damaged wood is sometimes very difficult to detect. "Hollow" sounding wood should be inspected for termite damage.
• Live termites. Termites are sometimes found while doing home remodeling or repair. Worker termites are small, whitish creatures that will quickly move away when exposed to light.
• If property owners discover any of these signs, they should contact a Sure Thing Pest Control and ask for a termite inspection to determine the extent of the problem.

Ants or Termites?

For clues to help distinguish termites from ants, examine the insects' wings, waist and antennae. While both insects have two pairs of wings, termite wings are relatively equal in size. Ant wings tend to be longer in front and shorter in back. Ants also have a narrow, pinched waist. Termites' waists are thicker and less distinct. In addition, ants' antennae are elbowed, while termites' are straight.