Where Do Termites Hide And How To Find Them?

So, where do termites hide? This is what we’ll be discussing. Experience has shown that termites might be present and active within your home for a significant period.

Their presence only begins to manifest when damage has been done to an advanced level.

Termite Hiding Spots And How To Check For Them

Termites are among the most problematic pest issues to have or deal with. First, they’re mostly shy and will keep away from prying eyes.

Each year, these pests cause severe structural damages running into billions of dollars. Also, termite extermination or treatment tends to be difficult.

You don’t stand a chance dealing with these pests without the skill and experience required. This is why termite control is best handled professionally.

Most of the time, a home might look safe and free from termite activity. While it may seem so, the possible reality is that these pests might be present and very active.

It Depends on the Type of Termites

Finding out where termites hide has a lot to do with the termite type or species.

Three termite species include dampwood termites, subterranean termites, as well as drywood termites.

How are these differences in terms of where they live?

Let’s take a look at each species.

  • Where Dampwood Termites Hide

As the name implies, dampwood termites are mostly attracted to wood with lots of moisture content. These might be woods having full or partial contact with the ground. In most cases, such wood may already be undergoing rot.

These termite species form their colony or colonies within the damp wood.

Wooden components of your home could fall into this category when not treated properly. These termites readily hide within such wood while eating it from within.

If you suspect termite presence in dampwood, you’ll need to look closer or carry out a thorough inspection to be sure.

However, most people may not be trained on where or what to look at.

As such, it’s best to have a professional pest technician perform a thorough assessment of the area to establish whether or not these termites are present.

  • Where Subterranean Termites Hide

Subterranean termites love to hide underground. This is also where they build their colony. Moisture from the ground helps keep them safe.

Subterranean termites will build tubes connecting their colonies to possible food sources. Through such mud tubes, they’re able to move to and from the food source.

Mud tubes can easily be spotted around areas where subterranean termites are present.

When you see such tubes connecting to your home’s foundation, it’s a sure sign that termites are present and active within your home.

Urgent action is needed to arrest the problem before it worsens.

Sometimes, you may not be able to spot these mud tubes because they’re camouflaged or hidden.

A professional inspection does the trick as technicians are trained on what to look out for and the most vulnerable spots to focus on.

  • Where Drywood Termites Hide

Unlike dampwood and subterranean termite species, drywood termites are mostly found in dry, and non-decayed wood. In other words, wood doesn’t need to be in a condition of rot to be infested by drywood termites.

You’ll find them in sound wood as well.

These termites are among the most destructive as they target sections of your home such as doors, attics, and wood framing. They also extend their destructive activity to your furniture.

With more tolerance for dry conditions, drywood termites can cause havoc on all wooden sections of your home.

Tell-tale signs of their activities and presence are seen in the presence of scattered frass or pelletized fecal matter. When such signs are noticed, you should take immediate action to rid your home of these pests.

Further probe is required and must be performed by a reputable pest control technician.

How To Find Termites

Here is how to find out if you have termites.

Termites will stay or hide out of sight for as long as necessary while feeding. Note that they’re attracted to cellulose-rich materials of which wood is their favorite.

While in hiding, it’s difficult to notice for a lot of people. However, when you know what signs to look for, finding termites won’t be that difficult.

Some of these signs include chewing noises or head banging, the presence of mud tubes around, as well as hard-to-open windows and tight-fitting doors.

Other signs include hollow wood, the presence of swarmers, frass, and discarded wings.

  • Chewing Noises or Head Banging

Chewing and headbanging noises are common in areas with termite activity. While such noises are difficult to make out during the day, nighttime gives you a clearer idea of what’s going on.

Also, put your ear against the wood you suspect termites to be in. You’re likely to hear such noises.

  • Presence of Mud Tubes

As discussed earlier, subterranean termites are known for building tubes connecting their colonies with food sources. These earthen tubes serve to protect them from dehydration which easily kills them.

A close examination of your surroundings may show these tubes crisscrossing your yard.

  • Hard-to-Open windows & Tight Fitting Doors

Are you suddenly experiencing difficulty opening your windows and doors? Termites could be the cause. Although damp wood is likely to be among the causes, termites also cause such problems through their feeding activity.

This leaves the wood warped or swollen thus making it difficult to open.

  • Hollow Wood

One clear sign of termite presence and activity is hollow wood. When drywood termites get into or penetrate drywood, they feed on the inside out. This creates a hollow or space within.

You may want to probe further by striking the wood gently with a screwdriver or knock with your finger. This produces a hollow sound, thus confirming termite activity.

  • Presence of Swarmers

Swarmers are clear signs of termite presence. These pests have a swarming season where they leave their colonies to mate and establish new colonies.

Winged termites troop out in large numbers consisting of both males and females. This is most noticeable at night when the lights are turned on as they’re attracted to light.

  • Frass

Frass or termite droppings are quite common around infested areas. When infestation reaches an advanced stage, you’ll notice these droppings in the form of pellets.

  • Discarded Wings

Discarded wings are often found after a swarm. Such wings are shed after reaching a suitable location where male and female termites tag along to mate and start a colony.

Now you know where termites hide.

Also, you’re able to use the tell-tale signs or clues left behind to identify possible hiding spots. You should call for professional termite control after discovering this.

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