Do not be lulled into a false sense of safety if your Clermont home does not have mud tubes running across the floor. Those are clear signs of termites, but other signs may be more hidden.
Especially in Florida, where warm, muggy weather makes it possible for these damaging pests to breed all year, termites can do a lot of damage below the surface for months before any damage to the structure is seen.
To get rid of these stubborn pests, you need to be able to spot the smaller signs that they are active. Visit avatapest.com to learn more about termite treatment options in Florida.
Hidden damages caused by termites.
A loss of structural stability in your home is one of the most alarming signs that you might have termites. Termites eat wood in your walls, floors, and support beams because they can not get enough cellulose. A lot of bad things can happen because of this secret feast.
Uneven floors.
If your floors are slowly becoming less level, pay close attention to areas around doors and in bathrooms and kitchens where there is a lot of moisture. Damage from termites can weaken floor joists, making the ground feel uneven or springy.
Walls that sound hollow.
Termites often dig holes inside walls, leaving a hollow center behind. By lightly tapping on your walls, you can tell the difference between areas that have termites (which will sound like a dull thud) and areas that have not been affected (which will sound like a strong, resonating sound).
Problems with doors and windows.
If your doors and windows suddenly stick or become hard to open or close, this could also be a sign of termites. Termites can bend and twist structures, making them out of alignment and binding, as they eat away at door frames and window sills.
Signs that termites have invaded your home.
Termites are rarely seen, but they leave behind certain evidence that can be used to prove how guilty they are. Watch out for these things:
Frass.
This word refers to the termites' droppings, which look like fine sand or sawdust and can build up near cracks in the foundation, around broken wood, or behind baseboards.
Discarded wings.
When swarmer termites, which are in the fertile caste, mate and start a new colony, they lose their wings. Finding groups of tiny, clear wings close to windows, doors, or attics is a strong sign that termites have been there.
Kick-out holes.
The most common type of termite in Clermont is the subterranean species. They take pieces of wood to make air holes. These holes, about the size of a dime, that are near your foundation or around crawlspaces may mean that these pests have been busy.
Early detection is key - take action now!
If you think your Clermont home has termites, do not wait to call an experienced pest control professional. Finding problems early is very important for keeping repair costs low and avoiding damage to buildings.
A trained professional can do a full check to find out what kind of termites are there, where they are coming from, and what the best treatment plan is.
Remember that a vigilant homeowner who knows these secret signs can be the first line of defense against an expensive termite attack. You can protect your Clermont home and make sure it stays strong for years to come by staying alert and acting as soon as you notice something is wrong.
There are other ways to find termites besides these signs. A professional pest control agent has more advanced tools that can find secret infestations.
Do not put your Clermont home at risk. If you think you might have termites, call a qualified pest control expert right away for a full check and a treatment plan that you can count on.