We at Legacy Pest Control Utah make protecting your home from pest-related damage a priority. Difficult to notice early on and able to destroy the very structure of your house, termites are a serious issue that must be tackled as early on in an infestation as possible. Contact us if you suspect a termite infestation.
What are Termites?
Termites
are a common type of insect that feed on wood. These bugs live in massive colonies ranging from a few thousand to millions of individuals. The two major species of termite in Utah are Subterranean termites, which live in dirt, and Drywood termites, which live entirely within wood. Termites typically look similar to ants but are often gray or white in color and have bodies that are more cylindrical.
By breaking down dead wood, termites make up an important part of the forest ecosystem. The problem only starts when they find their way inside your home. Termites can destroy anything made of wood, eating it from the inside out. This includes both furniture and structural elements of buildings. If left unchecked, severe termite infestations can make your home literally fall apart.
Signs of Termite Damage
Because termites are ubiquitous and keep a low profile, it’s up to you as a homeowner to recognize signs of infestation quickly before these insects can cause serious structural damage.
- One early warning sign that is hard to miss is the presence of the insects themselves. If you’ve found what looks like termites in or near your home, your best plan of action is to consult a professional. If possible, preserve an example of any termite-like insect you find in a baggy or other airtight container. A pest control specialist can use this specimen to figure out just what’s bugging you.
- Wet wood isn’t necessarily a sign, but it can be a prelude to termite infestation. Termites need moisture to digest the tough cellulose in wood using special enzymes and gut flora. If you have experienced any recent issues with flooding, keep an especially close eye on spots of water-damaged wood in your home.
- Winged termites known as swarmers, used to establish new colonies, are the type of termite you are most likely to spot. Although only mature colonies produce swarmers, large numbers of these flying termites can point to a well-hidden nest that might otherwise remain undetected. You may also be able to identify brand new termite colonies by finding discarded swarmer wings in your home. Keep in mind that swarmers are often mistaken for ants and vice versa, so proper identification is crucial.
- Mud tubes, also known as mud tunnels or mud leads, are a visual sign that can help you catch a subterranean termite infestation early on. As their name suggests, mud tubes are cylindrical tunnels made up of what looks like mud; it’s actually a combination of both dirt and termite waste that run along the surface of infested structures.
- Drywood termites produce a substance called frass as waste, which they push out and away from their tunnels. Look for small piles sawdust-looking material that seem to appear out of nowhere in and around your home.
- Listen to your walls for a surprisingly loud chewing noise. The sounds termites make can sometimes be mistaken for those of small rodents.
- Advanced infestations can lead to visibly damaged wood. Termite-infested wood becomes discolored and eventually takes on a warped or swollen appearance. Drywood termites also leave small holes visible on wood surface. As infested wood is hollowed out, it becomes very brittle, breaking under relatively light pressure.
What Does Termite Damage Look Like?
How Does Legacy Pest Control Stop Termites?
Most termite infestations – even when caught at the early stages – require professional extermination service. You can count on the experts at Legacy Pest Control to stop termite infestations before they do serious damage to your home. For over 20 years, our family-owned business has been battling termites and other pests from bedbugs to rats.
If you find yourself dealing with termites or other unwanted house guests, request an appointment using our online contact form or call us at 801-779-3131 for a free quote. We also offer free pest inspection appointments!
Termite Pest Control Near Ogden Utah
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