Inspect Around Your House for Termites
March, April, and May are the times of the year when termites swarm. A swarm of termites means a colony has divided, and a group of them is looking for a new home. Let’s hope it is not your home.
What To Look For
The first thing to look for is a swarm of insects in a ball. Many insects swarm, and what you are witnessing may not be termites. If you inspect, and they like pale-colored ants, then they may well be termites.
You may not see the swarm, but you can look for other clues.
Clues that Termites are Present
The second thing to look for is clues. Walk around the perimeter of your house. Pay close attention to the ground around the foundation. What you are looking for are tiny wings. Termites only have wings while they are swarming. They are wood-eating insects that tunnel into the wood they consume. Once inside of a foundation timber or other piece of timber, their wings are useless and in the way. For that reason, they shed them.
Looking for Frass
The third clue is Frass — Frass is termite poop. It looks like tiny wooden pellets. You might also see small particles of sawdust; the debris left behind when an insect tunnel into wood. In the case of termites, you may or may not see sawdust.
Termites are one of the wood-destroying insects that we look for when doing home inspections for home sellers. They are also one of the most destructive insects, and the damage they cause results in billions of dollars in home repairs each year across the U.S.
If you suspect your home has termites or you want to ensure that it doesn’t have termites, give us a call and request a home inspection. We can also help with all of your pest control issues. Our rates are affordable, and we provide comprehensive service throughout the Bryan and College Station communities.
