Signs of a Termite Infestation
Termites love wood, they usually eat it from the inside out and leave holes and tunnels behind. However, sometimes the damage remains hidden for a long time. On the other hand, there are some more obvious signs of a termite issue. First, you see \”white ants.\” Unfortunately, a lot of people mistake termites for ants due to their similarity in size and shape. Here are a few critical differences between the two:
- Termites are lighter in color, sometimes translucent.
- The antennae of a termite are straight while an ant\’s antennae are bent.
- Ants have a thicker waist section than termites.
Next, you may see termite droppings, known as frass. Depending on the type of termites, the droppings will look and smell different. For example, some leave behind droppings that look like sawdust (and might be mistaken as such). But subterranean termite droppings aren\’t visible because they use it for building mud tubes and tunnels.
Treating a Your Home for Termites
There are various ways to treat a termite infestation, depending on your situation. One option is digging and treating backfill. First, a licensed technician digs a 4-6 inch deep hole around the home\’s foundation, then they fill the holes with termiticide poison. Every time a termite goes through the barrier, the termiticide infects the colony and eventually kills them all.
Another option is drilling. This technique stops termites from getting into the house. A technician drills holes into the wall and fills them with insecticide. If it\’s too late, the holes will be dug in or near the nest and the insecticide goes in. Finally, we can use a vapor barrier. A chemical barrier is placed around and under the building. Anything that tries to get in dies, as well any termites already inside.
Annapolis Pest Control by the Pros
Whenever you notice the first hint of a termite problem, don\’t delay and call an exterminator right away. At Raven Termite and Pest Control we act fast to treat any insect issues. Our expert Annapolis pest control company offers one-time service calls or choose from monthly or even a bi-monthly agreements to keep a pest-free home. Contact us today!