Though small and rarely seen, termites pose an immense threat to your home. These destructive, little detritus feeders will eat trees, dead plants, and many different kinds of wood. This means they are more than capable of eating through wood in your home and if left unchecked, the damage they cause may require a complete replacement of its structure. There are ways to avoid this! Don’t hesitate with these pests. Contact us as soon as you recognize an infestation.

What Causes Termites?

There are two types of termites–drywood and subterranean–and they’re attracted to moisture, warmth, and wood. They are constantly foraging for small openings in your home where they can inflict the most damage. It’s recommended that you routinely check your house for these vulnerable spots. This includes cracks or holes in windows, concrete, tiles, the roof, and the foundation. Try to keep your home protected from moisture. This can be done by making sure you have the right kind of water drainage and keeping the roof gutter clear of debris.

Look Out for Signs

The most important way to avoid excessive structural damage is to be aware of the signs of termites and act accordingly once you’ve determined you’ve been invaded:

• If you suspect termite damage, try rapping your knuckles against the various wood structures in your home. If you hear a hollow sound, it’s likely that the interior of the wood has been damaged by termites.
• Termites leave behind droppings called frass, which resemble sawdust. It can accumulate in small piles throughout the house. If you come across any frass piles, this is a big tip-off that you’re dealing with an infestation.
• Along with frass droppings, termites can leave behind other things. Reproductive termites, also known as swarmers, will leave wings behind. Wing accumulations can typically be found near entrances, such as window sills.
• Termites often create small mud tunnels, or leads, along the exterior of a home. They use these to travel back and forth while foraging for food and water. Mud leads are a major sign that you have company of the termite variety in your home.

To keep your home protected, Critter Control serving Ft Lauderdale is here to get rid of termites so your house can last for many years to come.