Different Signs of Termite Activity you need to watch out
Termites are tiny creatures that can damage any wooden structure of your house without mercy. However, they are sometimes confused with their archenemies, the ants. Identifying termites [http://www.termitesgonewild.com/termite-identification/] is one of the process you need to master to detect any signs of termite activities. Keep in mind that there are three different castes in a termite colony. Hence, identifying termites in a colony is also essential. Termites infest your house if you see soldier termites inside your house. Soldier termites have bigger heads and mandibles to fight and ward off enemies.
Another sign of termites' activity is swarming insects. Though ants also swarm, swarm termites look differently from flying ants. Swarm termites are called elates. They generally have longer wings compared with their fat white translucent bodies. Their body is almost transparent that you can see food inside. Be aware that not all winged termites have white translucent body. There are other termites with darker body.
Worker termites build and make tunnels inside the wood or under the soil. If you try to punch a hole on a wall, you would notice that there was termite activity before if there are honeycombed pattern inside. In cases that the colony is still there, you would know that it is a termite colony if you found both king and queen termite. Sometimes, a colony will make up of more than one queen and king. It is easy to identify queen termite among other termites in the colony. There are larger with elongated body and yet have smaller head. The king is like dark worker termite with larger body.
The termites also make mud holes for traveling from places to places. Also, these mud holes are use for protection. The mud holes are built by workers using their droppings and saliva, and soil. They also produce sawdust after they feed on woods. However, not all species of termites leave traces of sawdust. Be aware that your house may be infested even without these traces. So, look for other traces of termites' activity.
Once you identify termite infestation, it is wise that you call a professional exterminator. On the other hand, you can also do your own termite control. Termiticides are already available in the market for homeowners. To lessen the chances of termite attack, repair any leaks inside and outside your house. Elevate any wood materials that are not use. And use chemical barriers around your house.
Another sign of termites' activity is swarming insects. Though ants also swarm, swarm termites look differently from flying ants. Swarm termites are called elates. They generally have longer wings compared with their fat white translucent bodies. Their body is almost transparent that you can see food inside. Be aware that not all winged termites have white translucent body. There are other termites with darker body.
Worker termites build and make tunnels inside the wood or under the soil. If you try to punch a hole on a wall, you would notice that there was termite activity before if there are honeycombed pattern inside. In cases that the colony is still there, you would know that it is a termite colony if you found both king and queen termite. Sometimes, a colony will make up of more than one queen and king. It is easy to identify queen termite among other termites in the colony. There are larger with elongated body and yet have smaller head. The king is like dark worker termite with larger body.
The termites also make mud holes for traveling from places to places. Also, these mud holes are use for protection. The mud holes are built by workers using their droppings and saliva, and soil. They also produce sawdust after they feed on woods. However, not all species of termites leave traces of sawdust. Be aware that your house may be infested even without these traces. So, look for other traces of termites' activity.
Once you identify termite infestation, it is wise that you call a professional exterminator. On the other hand, you can also do your own termite control. Termiticides are already available in the market for homeowners. To lessen the chances of termite attack, repair any leaks inside and outside your house. Elevate any wood materials that are not use. And use chemical barriers around your house.
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