Termites. These small but powerful pests can cause major damage to the exterior and interior of your home.

In fact, the National Pest Management Association has recorded that homeowners will incur over 5 billion dollars in damage from termites each year!
The Entomology department at the University of Kentucky reported that though we most commonly associate termites with wood damage, they can also damage paper, insulation, and swimming pool liners. On the exterior, termites can certainly injure living trees and shrubs, though they are more likely to feast on trees that are dying out.

With such potential for destruction to your home, it is very important to be on the lookout for signs of termites on your property.

Realtor.com details the following list as the five most common signs of termite damage. While these may be the most obvious signs of an invasion, an experienced Petty’s professional will be able to inspect your property for more subtle signs of pesky termites and confirm if you have an infestation.

• Swarmer wings – These wings are observed as one of the most prevalent signs of termites in the spring. Winged termites, or swarmers, will drop to the ground in warmer weather, shed their wings, mate, and start to build a new colony in the soil. If you see the light grey wings left behind (perhaps near doors and windows in your house), it may be time to seek professional treatment from Petty’s Landscape, Irrigation, and Pest Control.
• Hollow wood – When termites have infested wood, it will then become hollow from the inside out, and you will be able to tell for sure by tapping on it.
• Cracks in paint – Did you know that termites are able to burrow through an opening smaller than the edge of a dime? Continuing regular maintenance of cracks in the foundation, window sills, and exterior siding will help prevent the bugs from entering in.
• Mud tunnels – Similar to ants building a protective headquarters, termites will create mud tunnels on various surfaces to lock in moisture as they scope out their next invasion.
• Frass – These are the droppings that termites leave behind that resemble small piles of sawdust.

Termites can cause more than just cosmetic damage. Superficial termite damage can often mean that there’s more damage beneath. This is why prevention methods for termites are important.

Do you think your property may have some of these signs of termite damage? Even if you are unsure, the professionals at Petty’s are here to help give you peace of mind when it comes to pest control. We offer flexible scheduling, specific treatment plans for your property’s needs, and are careful to use environmentally responsible pest control methods. Give us a call today at 800-258-9184 or send us an email at info@pettys.com to experience the Petty’s difference!