Termite infestations can cause significant damage to your home, often without you even realizing it until the damage is extensive. Early detection is key to preventing costly repairs, and one of the first signs of a termite problem is the presence of termite larvae.
Here’s how to spot the early signs of termite larvae infestation and protect your property from the destructive force of termites. Read on.
Mud Tubes Around the Home
One of the most common signs of termite activity is the appearance of mud tubes on the exterior of your home. These tubes are made by termites to protect themselves while traveling between their nests and food sources.
Mud tubes are typically narrow, and you may find them along the foundation, in cracks or crevices, or near wooden structures. Check out https://chetspest.com/ to learn more about identifying termite larvae and pest control methods.
Visible Wood Damage
Termite larvae feed on the cellulose found in wood, which means that over time, they can cause significant damage to wooden structures. One of the first signs of this damage is the appearance of hollowed-out wood.
You may notice the wood around windows, doors, or baseboards sounding hollow when tapped. In more advanced cases, the wood may appear discolored, buckling, or blistering.
Swarmers and Their Wings
Termite swarming typically occurs during warmer months when mature termite colonie send out reproductive individuals (known as “swarmers”) to start new colonies. If you spot winged insects around your home this could indicate a nearby infestation. Especially near:
- windows
- doors
- light fixtures
Although the swarmers themselves are not larvae, their presence suggests that the colony is thriving and reproducing. This increases the likelihood that larvae are feeding on your home’s wooden structures.
Frass (Termite Droppings)
Frass refers to the tiny, pellet-like droppings left behind by termites as they digest wood. If you notice small, dark-colored pellets around wooden structures or piles of dust near baseboards, this could be a sign of termites at work.
Frass is often mistaken for sawdust, but unlike sawdust, it has a distinctive, cylindrical shape and is usually dark in color. Finding frass around your home is an early warning sign that termites are actively feeding and that larvae could be present.
Sagging Floors and Ceilings
Although this is a more advanced sign of an infestation, sagging floors and ceilings may occur if termites have been at work for an extended period. As larvae feed on the wood, they weaken the structure, which can lead to noticeable sagging or bowing.
If you notice any uneven surfaces, it’s important to inspect for termites and their larvae immediately. This is especially around the foundation or in rooms with wood framing.
Sound of Clicking Noises
Sometimes, the first indication of termite larvae presence comes from the sound of clicking or tapping noises inside your walls. These noises are caused by worker termites communicating with each other and larvae feeding on the wood.
If you hear these sounds in your walls, it’s time to inspect for termite activity. Though you may not see the larvae themselves, these sounds indicate that they are present and active within the structure of your home.
Address Termite Larvae Quickly
Early detection is crucial when it comes to preventing a full-blown termite infestation. If you notice any of the signs for termite larvae mentioned above, it’s important to act quickly. If you suspect an infestation, it’s always a good idea to consult with a pest control professional to assess the situation and determine the best course of action.
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