Termites are actually a year round pest, but during the winter, they can be a tougher issue. The reason they can be harder to deal with during the colder months is because they go into hiding. Just because they’re hiding, however, doesn’t mean they aren’t a problem. Termites can do a ton of damage without you even knowing they’re there. So how do you tell if you have a winter infestation, and how bad it actually is? Let’s discuss how you can try to estimate the severity.
Have You Seen a Termite?
This is one of the clearest signs that a termite problem has grown out of control. If you see a termite actually within a living area of your home, understand that the termite is quite lost. And in order for a termite to mistakenly end up inside the home, there are likely tons throughout the entire structure.
Spend Some Time Inside the Walls
If you have access to a crawlspace, attic or basement, you should venture into these spaces to look for signs of termites. You may not run into the little critters themselves, but you can definitely see their handiwork. Knock on pieces of wood and listen for those that sound hollow – if you find such pieces, termites could have already hollowed out the insides. You should also check areas that are damp, such as spots that house leaky pipes.
Look For the Other Warning Signs
Another smart idea is to check for telltale signs of termite infestations, such as piles of discarded wings. When termites establish a new nest, they sprout wings and “swarm.” If you see wings near your home, termites have probably set up shop nearby. You should also look for mud tubes, which look exactly as the name suggests. These tubes will normally be found on exterior walls or on the outside of your foundation.
In the End, Professionals Must Make the Call
Despite your best amateur pest inspection, it’s almost impossible to determine the full extent of a termite problem on your own. If you want to be safe, contact a professional pest control company so they can perform a full inspection. San Joaquin Pest Control has a ton of experience with termites, from inspecting houses to check if there are termites present, to actually going through options for extermination, to the actual execution of the plan and getting rid of the termites. Call San Joaquin Pest Control company if you’re ready to start the process of making your house a pest free zone.
