The Truth About Termite Identification

Termite identification takes more than simplyTermite Identification Through Mud Tunnels
knowing the different members of the termiteMud tubes and tunnels are often a good aid for
colony. There are a couple other things that everytermite identification. Since worker termites try to
homeowner should know about if they are toavoid open spaces and day light, they usually move
protect their homes effectively against termites.from their underground colony home to your house
The Truth About Termitesthrough mud tunnels. You should therefore be a little
The most common look that termites are usuallyworried if you notice some seemingly dried mud that
associated with is the worker termites look. Theseseem to rise up from the soil and stick on cracks or
are the termites that do all the food foraging and areboards. When prodded, these tunnels may come off
creamy white in color. The truth though is thatas grainy particles on your fingers. Some conditions
termites usually avoid the light and the open air.are just so perfect for termites that they may even
Termites burrow deep in your soil and work its waybuild mud mounds somewhere in your property.
to the wooden parts of your house through mudTermite Identification Through Damage
tunnels. This means that the damage to yourIf termites remain undetected for a long time, your
property may also be undetected until there ishome may already be in severe damage. Some signs
already too much damage. Some homeowners doof termite damage would be holes on the surface of
not know they have termites until damaged woodthe wood, paint cracks or wood that sounds hollow.
breaks off to reveal the white workers. The key toExtensive termite damage may result in wood
early termite identification is to look for tell tale signssurface that easily breaks off when you prod it,
of their presence.revealing irregular sized hollow areas inside that may
Swarmer Termite Identificationhave traces of grainy mud.
Swarmers are the ones entrusted with the task ofFavorable Conditions
flying off to build new termite communities. EarlyAlthough environmental conditions are not necessary
termite identification therefore begins by looking forfor termite identification, there are some favorable
flying winged insects of a dark color, with straightconditions however that will attract potential colonists.
bodies and four equal length wings that they mightYou may for example have moist soil with wood
discard around your property.. These swarmers maycontact on the ground. Ground termites love moist
fly to or away from your house.soil and the proximity of the wood to the soil may
Be especially watchful during the beginning of springmake their food harvesting work easier. Pipes that
or after some rainfall. Although some may say thatleak on wooden trash around the house and
some swarmers simply get blown accidentally to yourfoundation cracks may also encourage termite
house, they might just establish a colony if theinfestation.
conditions are right.