Termites are often called the “silent destroyers” because they can be hiding and secretly thriving in your Baton Rouge home or yard without any immediate signs of damage. All termites consume cellulose-based plant materials. Unfortunately, all homes, regardless of their construction type, can provide cellulose food for termites. Recognizing the signs of a termite infestation is crucial for homeowners, as early detection can significantly reduce the costs of damage.

Below are five telltale signs of termite activity in the home. If you notice any of these things, schedule an inspection with a pest control company. They will conduct a full inspection and determine the next steps for termite control in Baton Rouge.

1. Visible Mud Tubes

One of the most recognizable signs of a termite infestation is the presence of mud tubes. Subterranean termites, the most common type in many areas, build these pencil-sized tunnels for movement between their colonies in the soil and the wood they consume. You can typically find mud tubes on exterior walls, wooden beams, crawl spaces or in basements. Break a tube open to see if termites crawl out, which indicates an active infestation.

2. Wood Damage

Termites consume wood from the inside out, leaving a thin veneer of timber or paint. This can make the damage difficult to notice until it is quite severe. One method you can use to check for damage is to tap on wood along the walls, baseboards, and windowsills of your home. If it sounds hollow, termites may be eating the wood from the inside. Over time, this damage can lead to visibly sunken or rippled surfaces on wooden structures.

3. Swarms of Winged Insects or Discarded Wings

Another clear sign of termite presence is the appearance of swarmers or flying termites, which usually occur in the spring when temperatures warm up. These winged termites are attracted to light, and you can often find them, or their discarded wings, near windows or light fixtures. Finding swarmers inside your home often indicates a hidden infestation somewhere.

4. Frass – Termite Droppings

Unlike subterranean termites that use their droppings to build their mud tubes, drywood termites push their feces out of small holes near the entrances to their nest. This results in a pile of small, pellet-like feces known as frass. Discovering these tiny, wood-colored droppings inside your home is a definite sign of a drywood termite infestation.

5. Sagging Floors and Stuck Windows or Doors

As termites damage the structural integrity of a building, it can manifest in sagging floors and ceilings, or doors and windows that become difficult to open or close. These signs can sometimes be mistaken for water damage. It’s crucial to investigate these abnormalities further to rule out or confirm termite activity.

What to Do If You Suspect Termites

If you identify one or more of these signs in your home, it’s important to act quickly:

• Contact a professional. A licensed pest control expert can provide a thorough inspection and confirmation of whether termites are present.
• Do not disturb. Avoid using DIY measures on suspected areas, as this may scatter the colony and spread the infestation.
• Evaluate treatment options. If termites are found, discuss treatment options with your pest control provider. They might recommend soil treatments, bait systems or direct wood treatments, depending on the type and severity of the infestation.

Schedule Termite Control in Baton Rouge

Termites can cause significant structural damage to homes, often resulting in costly repairs. By learning how to spot the early signs of a termite infestation and taking swift action with a professional termite extermination company, you can protect your investment and maintain the integrity of your property. Schedule an inspection and quote by contacting Arceneaux Pest Management Service.