Thinking about calling a termite inspector? Are you fearful that termites might be eating the house right out from under you? Do you think you hear chewing? Have you seen a winged ant (or could it be a termite?) flying around your home’s foundation? Is it just time for your yearly inspection?
Why It Makes Sense to Fear Termites
It makes sense that you might fear termite infestations – termites are found in every U.S. state except for Alaska. On top of that, they cause an estimated $50 billion in damages every year. That, on top of the fact that you can have a termite problem and not even know it, is reason enough to call. Here’s part one of “what termite inspectors look for,” so you can prepare for your termite inspection.
Termite Inspection – What an Inspector Looks For
1. Evidence of Swarming Termites
Termites start new colonies from existing nest through producing winged, sexually mature adults called “alates.” When the season is right – usually when the temperature is mild and humid – these alates fly off to start their own colonies. When they land, they shed their wings. The presence of multiple winged termites in or around your house around closed doors or windows might mean there’s a termite nest nearby.
Ants form colonies in the same way – so before you panic, you might want to take a closer look. Here are some differences between termites and ants.
- A termite’s rear wings are the same length as their front wings. Flying ants’ rear wings are smaller than their front wings.
- Termites have wide waists. Ants have waist indentations below their second set of wings.
- Termites have straight antennae. Ants have jointed antennae.
Mud Tubes
The presence of mud tubes, also known as shelter tubes, will be another thing an inspector looks for. These tubes are made of soil and wood cellulose, along with other matter. Termite build these to provide protection as they move from nest to food source. These can form along your foundation, near pipes, in crawlspace, in your attic or around other access points to your home. Mud tubes look like dried dirt and are usually about the thickness of a drinking straw or pencil.
Look for more of “what inspectors look for” in Part 2!
Need help in Gilbert? Visit Gilbert Termite Control.
Arizona Termite Control
Contact Info:
Termite Control Chandler
2040 S Alma School Road
Suite 1
Chandler AZ 85286
(480) 582-1219
License # 8918
