Signs of a Termite Infestation | Termite Damage

Wood Damage

If you start to notice blistering on your floor, it’s possible that subterranean termites are eating away at your flooring.  Normally, the result of a subterranean termite infestation is damage to the floor resembling water damage. If you find any hollowed out or damaged wood in your home, there’s a good chance termites are eating away at your house.  Termites will dig through wood in search of cellulose, leaving behind a path of destruction. Termite damage can also result in sagging skirting boards, warped doors and windows, and floorboards that feel spongy when walking on them.

Termite Remains

Another way you may be able to tell if your home is infested by termites is evidence of termites themselves.  Sometimes we find that homes that are infested with termites showed clear evidence, but it takes a trained eye to know what you are looking at.  Sometimes you can find discarded wings near windows and doors. While there are ants that look similar to the termite, the easiest way to tell if you are looking at a termite is by the wings.  Termites have two equally sized pairs of wings while ant’s wings are different in size from front to back. Termite exoskeleton remains can also be present although this is unlikely as termites actually consume them for nourishment.

Termite Droppings

Another clear sign of a termite infestation is the presence of frass (feces and wood fragments). When consuming wood, termites will excrete this into a very fine powder. Frass can be found on your floor near the wall. It would usually accompany boreholes directly above it.

Unfortunately, sometimes termites do not leave any evidence behind.  They are notorious for going undetected while destroying the infrastructure of your home.  Sometimes, by the time they are noticed, the damage is already done. When it comes to termites, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Exterminating Termites

Exterminating termites is a difficult task for the untrained professional. People do not realize that the different types of termites require different treatments in order to successfully eradicate them.

Subterranean Termite Treatment

When treating a property for subterranean termites, there are different schools of thought on what is most effective.  Conventional treatment has been used for over 50 years and is extremely effective against this form of termite. Here at Pegasus Pest Control, we use  Termidor, American’s #1 termiticide. Because Termidor is odorless and tasteless, termites will feast on it, and will ultimately expose the entire colony.  Termidor is used by placing it below ground around the infected home, and will quickly destroy the colony. If you would like to try a more green approach when combatting subterranean termites, we also recommend Altriset.  Derived from the plant Ryania, Altriset is the most effective all environmentally friendly termiticides on the market.

Drywood and Dampwood Termites

If you have found drywood or dampwood termites in your house, the most effective technique is fumigation.  As you’ve probably seen in your neighborhood, this involves tenting your home for a few days while vacating the premises. Fumigation involves pumping odorless gas throughout your home, suffocating any existing termite infestations.  This form of treatment leaves no odors or contaminants in your home. Unfortunately, these pesky insects may find their way back into the infrastructure. Here at Pegasus Pest Control, we offer an annual or extended warranty if there is a recurrence of the infestation.

Sprays and Foam Termite Treatments

Another option when looking at termite treatments are the use of sprays and foams.  These sprays and foams are used for the concentrated treatment of known termite swarms. They can be effective in fighting a termite infestation, but only in the case that the termites are confined to one area.  While less invasive, this treatment leaves a better chance for a reemergence of the infestation. This is because fumigation will cover the entire house, whereas sprays and foams are concentrated on specific areas.

Is Termite Control Necessary?

While there are products sold to the general population, we highly recommend using a specialist.  Products at the stores only allow concentrated treatment techniques. Unfortunately, it takes a lot of practice and knowledge to be able to detect termite infestations.  For a proper piece of mind, we highly recommend scheduling an appointment with one of our highly trained exterminators.

Our special equipment and termiticides are made to eliminate the entire colony, so you don’t have to deal with the termites again.  We make sure that we leave your house termite-free. We also can help with repairs to damaged wood and structural weakness.

Termites Control Services by Pegasus Pest Control

Termite Control Near You

Pegasus Pest Control has been serving the greater Sacramento region for over 25 years. Our experience in eradicating termites combined with our professional service results in high customer satisfaction ratings. Call us today for a free pest inspection. We will give you peace of mind!