Guide: pest control
Think you have termites? Here is what to look for.
The signs are mud tubes about the width of a pencil on foundation walls or wood, swarms of winged insects indoors (often in spring), piles of discarded wings, and wood that sounds hollow or crumbles. If you see any of them, leave the evidence in place and call a pest control company for an inspection.
Connects you to an independent pest control company. Home Service Lab does not perform the work and does not set the price.
Check these places
- Foundation and crawl space. University of Kentucky entomologists describe earthen mud tubes, usually about the diameter of a pencil, over foundation walls, piers, sill plates and floor joists.
- Windowsills and doors. Small piles of identical wings, or winged insects gathered at windows.
- Wood trim and floors. Wood that sounds hollow when tapped, blistered paint, or floors that feel soft.
- Outside the house. Wood touching soil, mulch piled against the foundation, and stumps or firewood near the walls.
- Spring swarms. The same University of Kentucky guide says large numbers of winged termites, known as swarmers, often emerge inside homes in spring.
Do not break open the mud tubes or spray store-bought insecticide. It scatters the termites without reaching the colony and makes the inspection harder.
Termites or flying ants?
Swarming termites and flying ants look alike. Termites have straight antennae, a thick waist and two pairs of wings of equal length. Flying ants have elbowed antennae, a pinched waist and front wings longer than the back. Catch one in a jar or tape if you can, for the inspector.
Questions
Common questions
Who do I call if I think I have termites?
A pest control company that does termite inspections and treatment. Many states license termite work separately, so ask about that when you call.
Can termites be treated without tenting the house?
Often, yes. Subterranean termites are usually treated with soil treatments or bait stations. Drywood termites sometimes need fumigation. The inspector will tell you which you have.
Being straight with you
We connect the call. We do not do the work.
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