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REALTOR Toolbox: Fast Facts on Termites
Five Fast Facts on
TERMITES
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Uh-oh! You’re not the only one who’s more active in the warmer weather. Spring is “termite swarming” season, when the critters start new colonies—and your home might be at risk. Here are five fast facts you need to know about termites, with thanks to Julio Gonzalez from the Greentree Group termite specialists.
1. Termites Snack on More Than Wood. Termites actually feed on almost anything that contains cellulose, the main component of wood—including wood paneling, paper products, cardboard boxes, art canvases, the paper covering of sheet rock, carpeting, etc. While foraging and feeding, they may also tunnel through other materials, such as plastic and foam board.
2. They Look Similar to Ants. Termite swarming usually takes place during the day, particularly on warm days following rain. If you see a swarm indoors, it usually means that you have an infestation of termites somewhere in your house. Several species of ants also swarm at the same times of the year as termites—but you can tell them apart by certain features. If you’re not sure whether you have termites or ants, show them to a pest management professional.
3. You’ll Rarely See Them Out in the Open—But You’ll See Their Tubes! When they’re not tunneling through the soil or other material, termites will travel inside pencil-size (or larger) “mud tubes” that they build from soil, wood particles, and other materials. You can find these tubes on foundation walls, floor joists, wood, or drywall, usually on the lower levels of the house. Although termites are most active in the spring, signs like these can be found year-round.
4. They Can Make Wood Sound “Hollow” When It’s Tapped With the Handle of a Screwdriver. Other signs of termites include soft wood that is easily probed with a knife, or a thin, gritty gray-brown film on the surface of damaged material.
5. You Should Call in the Professionals to Deal With Them. When purchasing a house, it is important to order a termite inspection—which actually inspects for all wood-destroying insects—to determine not only if there is an active termite infestation, but also if there’s evidence of a previous infestation, previous termite damage, or conditions that might lead to future infestations. The initial inspection report should note the findings of the inspection. All annual re-inspection reports should note any changes in the condition of the house, including new construction, modifications, or signs of infestation.
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