Most homes today have beautifully decorated wood pieces, either as door frames, pillars, counters or whatever else! Nothing is quit as frustrating as termites chowing their way through those lovely decorations. So how do you know if you have termites? Here’s how to check!

• Some signs of termites are actually very subtle, for example the presence of mud-like material located in or around your home. This can be confusing due to its similarities to actual mud.
• Termites can excavate wood to the point where there is only a thin layer remaining on the surface. If this layer is broken, termites can fill these holes with the aforementioned mud-like material that is made from soil, feces, and saliva (unfortunate).
• If you spot an ant with wings, chances are you have seen what is known as a swarmer. Generally found near light sources, these can indicate a nearby nest of termites. These swarmers form a swarm which consists of adult males and females, who’s purpose is to establish a new colony. Swarms are most common March-June and occasionally September and October.
• Swarmers tend to emerge on warm days after rain. If you notice swarmers outside your home, its not reason to panic, however if they are appearing in your home, its important to locate from where.
• The headquarters of termites reside in mud tunnels. Termites make mud tubes, which are pencil-sized connecting points that lead from a food source to the nest. If you find a mud tube but it looks uninhabited, it does not mean you are free of termites.
• Termites tend to be found messing around near sills and other wood members with access through cracks or voids in the foundation wall.
• There are four main forms of tubes termites use. Drop tubes which lead from  wooden structures back towards the soil. Working tubes which lead from nests in the soil to wooden structures. Exploratory tubes and migratory tubes arise from the soil but do not connect to wood structures.
• When swarmers reach their next phase of development they shed their wings into piles.

When checking locations in your home specifically for termites be sure to have a good flashlight, screwdriver and coveralls. Check trouble spots closely, looking for piles of wings and mud tubes for certainty of a termite presence. Termites tend to be found in the basement levels initially, however in warmer climates they can sometimes be found above the 1st floor. Always use the proper safety precautions, and if necessary call a specialist to ensure the problem is taken care of! Thats all for today! Be sure to give us a call and see what we can do for you and your home! Lets make that dream home together! Termite free of course!