4 Signs of Termite Infestation

As a homeowner, you may be worried about flooding, lightning damage, or termite infestations. Any of these can be devastating to your home and quite costly to repair or replace everything that has been affected. PPC offers superb termite treatments and coverage to keep your home protected. Below, we've listed signs of termite infestation so you an alert us at the first sign of termites, in case you see them between our annual termite inspection visits.

Swarmers: The first sign of termites is usually swarmers: these are termites flying around looking for a mate. After finding their mate, they will find a home to build their colony. Swarmers (AKA alates) are black or brown with large white wings, making them look like white ants. Termites have a straight body with straight antennae. To differentiate, ants have a segmented body with a skinny waist and bent antennae.

Galleries: Termites are wood-destroying organisms (WDOs) that feed on the wooden building materials of your home. As they eat through the wood, they create tunnels or galleries. Without X-ray vision, it is difficult to see unless a piece of wood is broken off your house. If you see old wood with galleries, it is a surefire way to tell your home has been infested by termites.

Frass: Also known as termite feces or droppings, frass is usually noticed as a pile of small sawdust-colored pellets. Termites are rude, and instead of doing their business in their self-made galleries, they often go to the entrance of their tunnels and drop frass on window sills, door frames, and baseboards.

Thin or Hollow Wood: Termites enter your home through a small hole and slowly work their way through the inside of the wooden beams holding your house upright. During our termite inspections, technicians may tap on the wall or door frame to check for brittle wood. This indicates a hollowing of the wooden beam; therefore, it may be a sign of termites.

There are other signs of termites, including moisture in your crawl space, wood in contact with the ground, or a nest of termites crawling around in your garden. It is best to call a professional as soon as you see evidence of termites. Contact us by email or phone and we'll promptly schedule your FREE termite inspection so together we can control your termites and protect your home!