The Best Termite Control Solution For Your Orlando Property

You may suspect that you have a termite-infested tree due to the branches dying and mud inside a cavity. If you stumble upon these warning signs and understand what you're looking at, you can take steps to protect your home from damage. Termites won't destroy your home in one night; they'll take months and even years to do it. Early detection can save you a ton of money. Unfortunately, you're not likely to see termite activity unless you look for it. These are incredibly sneaky insects.

When termites come into your yard and attempt to access your home, different termites do it in different ways. Drywood termites can attack your home from the air, they do not need to have access to the soil. Most subterranean termites live in the ground and bring soil up into the tunnels they create in wood. Certain species of subterranean termites can live entirely inside structures. These are the most destructive. Here are the warning signs to look for around and inside your home.

Drywood Termites: These insects attack hardwood. Keep this in mind as you look for drywood termite activity.

• Frass. When drywood termites feed on wood, they produce this material. It is mostly their fecal waste. You may find it near gaps or kickout holes. The droppings of drywood termites are the same color as the wood they're eating.
• Damage: You might notice holes, splintering, or honeycomb indents when drywood termites invade your Orlando home.
• Swarmers. You're not going to have to wonder if you have a termite infestation when you see winged termites inside your home. While they are the most obvious warning sign of a termite infestation, swarms last for less than 30 minutes. After this, the swarmers disappear into cracks, gaps, and holes and attempt to create more nests.
• Wings. When drywood termites release swarmers, you may only see their shed wings. These wings will be white, equal in size, and teardrop-shaped. 

Subterranean Termites: These insects prefer rotting wood but can get into softwood timber within your home. As you look for these termites, watch for soil in gaps, cracks, and holes or mud on the surface of wood timbers.

• Tubes. Subterranean termites come above ground and create tunnels out of soil and saliva. These are called shelter tubes or mud tubes. You'll find them on your foundation walls, exterior steps, wood timbers, and concrete piers. You may also find them in humid spaces within your home. When you find a shelter tube, break a piece off and check back in a few days. Termite workers will repair the structure if you have an active infestation.
• Damage. You might see wood splintering or exposed termite tunnels in damp locations or shaded spaces around your home. Most of the time, you won't see the damage, but you may hear it. Tap on support timbers. If they sound hollow, that is not a good sign.  
• Mud. Subterranean termites bring the soil up into their tunnels. When you see mud underneath your siding or in a location where there is wood damage, these insects are likely to blame.
• Swarmers. You may see these winged insects if you have an active termite nest on your property. Finding them indoors is a warning sign of a severe infestation.

When you detect termites, what should you do? Is it time to contact a licensed termite control professional?