Detecting Termites – A Basic Guide

Termites have the tendency to either stay underground or within the insides of the wood.  Inspecting and detecting termites is more than just going over the finished surface of your walls – more is required to be able to uncover any hidden pest activities. 

Detecting Termites – Understanding Their Nature

It is key in detecting termites that one has some knowledge of the nature of these insects.  Having such would enable one to make an intelligent inspection on one’s premises and try to effectively follow the traces left by the termites – and eventually finding their nests.

Termite Favorites – Check These First

Termites love cellulose – and woods are abundant with it.  Wood & any derivative products are prone to termite infestation.  Thus, wood portions of your house are a good target and should be checked fully to be successful in detecting termites.

There are also termites that love to go underground – those that nest on soils and underneath.  Such land areas provide for good ventilation and can hold just enough moisture for these termites to conveniently dwell upon.  Efficiently detecting termites would thus mean checking on the surroundings of your house – your garden, its landscaping, nearby trees and lots.

Termite Infestation Signs

There are some signs of termite infestation.  Presence of mud tubes over walls, floor joists, etc. would be a sure sign of termite activity.  These mud tubes are used by termites in their travel between their nests to structures with food sources.  Also, hollowed wood along its grain with traces of soil or dried mud would also be a sign of termite activity.  Sometimes you’ll get to see swarmers inside the house or directly outside it – their presence should give you an idea that they are somewhere near.

Termites Found – What To Do Next

When one is able to find live termite activity in any area of your house, one should not disturb it.  One should not put it upon himself to immediately try to put an end to these termites and quickly take any insecticide by hand and spray or apply on the area.

If one is unsuccessful with such haste, these termites will just move elsewhere – possibly causing you to spend some more time trying to find them again.  What you can do is document the locations affected for use later on, in the whole pest control process.

After detecting termites, the best way to go about it would be to refer it to a competent pest control company.  Such firms will do a more thorough inspection of your house for termites (your initial documentation of the locations affected would help here), and this includes checking the surrounding area as well.  Inspecting and successfully detecting termites in your area would be a vital step towards pest control.