Wood damage is a major sign of a termite infestation in Sevierville TN - Johnson Pest ControlAlthough termites are active year-round in Tennessee, their activity is more abundant than ever in the spring months. To better prepare yourself for the coming termite season, it’s wise to learn how to recognize the signs of termites. In doing so, you can prevent your chances of getting a serious infestation. Termites are rarely seen, which is why noticing any of the signs we’ll discuss here means it’s time to call your local termite exterminators. The team at Johnson Pest Control is committed to keeping you termite-free year-round, which is why we’re here to help you learn about looking for signs of a termite infestation.

How to Look for Signs of Termites

Not only are termites rarely seen, they are also oftentimes confused for other pests. This makes it crucial to know how to recognize the subtle signs of their potential presence. The five most common signs of their activity include:

  1. Mud tubes. Subterranean termites nest underground but use mud tubes to travel. These pencil-sized tubes protect the termites from outdoor elements as it blocks out cool, dry air. Seeing mud tubes along the outside of your property is likely the number one sign of termites.
  2. Termite swarms. Every year, reproductive termites (also known as alates and swarmers) will leave their colony to mate and form new ones. Swarmer termites are frequently mistaken for other flying insects, especially carpenter ants. Seeing winged termites in the spring or summer months is a common sign of termites spreading.
  3. Piles of shed wings. After they swarm, the reproductive termites no long need their wings. So, they will shed them! Termite wings are all the same size and translucent in color. After being shed, they can often appear in a pile together.
  4. Termite droppings. As they tunnel through dry wood as well as when they swarm, drywood termites create kick-out holes in the wood. This is when their droppings, also known as frass, can be found. Termite frass most closely resembles sawdust or coffee grounds, and can appear in groups.
  5. Termite damage. Seeing damage caused by termites is indicative of a serious infestation. Damage most frequently appears in wood around the home. Common damage includes unexplained cracks on walls, beams, and rafters. It can cause sagging wood in your floors, as well as hollow-sounding wood. Sometimes wood damage can lead to weakened baseboards and floorboards.

Think You’re Seeing Signs of Termites?

Inspections for Signs of a Termite Infestation

If you notice any of the above signs of termites, it’s important to reach out for professional help. An experienced termite exterminator knows exactly what to look for when it comes to termites. The experts at Johnson know that termites can be distressing, which is why we are committed to keeping you safe year-round. Contact us today to learn more about the signs of termite infestations in Eastern Tennessee.

What Are the Signs of a Termite Infestation? in Sevierville TN

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What Are the Signs of a Termite Infestation?

Signs of a termite infestation

Termites live within a structure, infesting and weakening the property. Due to their secretive behavior, they are rarely seen. For this reason, it’s important to know the signs of termites: discarded wings, damaged wood, mud tubes, frass (droppings), and swarming termites.

Termite damage may not be detected until serious damage has been done. This makes it critical to regularly inspect your property throughout the year for signs of termite activity:

  • Damaged hollowed-out wood
  • Shed wings
  • Peeling or bubbling paint
  • Mud tubes around the foundation of homes
  • Termite droppings (frass)
  • Blisters in wood floors
  • Small holes in drywall
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How to Look for Signs of Termites In Your Home

Unless you see termite swarmers, you will seldom see actual termites, as all their activity is carried out within a structure. To determine the presence of termites, it’s important to look for both the physical evidence termites leave behind, and evidence of damage caused within your home or business. Here’s what to look for:

  1. Termite signs. When termites are living within a structure, they will leave behind signs of the presence with their droppings (also known as frass). Frass can look like sawdust or sand, and is brown to black in color. Also keep an eye out for termite wings that are often shed in piles, as well as swarming termites (which are often confused for flying ants).
  2. Structural damage. If you notice warped, sagging ceilings, holes in your walls, mud tubes or cracks near the home’s foundation, blisters in wood floors, or peeling paint on walls, you may have termites. If you knock on any wood to be infested and hear a hollow noise in return, you very likely have termites.

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Other Termite Signs in East Tennessee

A secretive and persistent wood-destroying pest, termites are feared as their activity can go on unnoticed for years before being discovered. A professional termite expert is knowledgeable and knows exactly what signs to look for when determining the presence of an active infestation. It is recommended to have your property regularly inspected for termite activity. 

If you find signs of termites, contact your local termite exterminators for a free quote!

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