Don’t Ignore a Termite Infestation
Do you have termites? Wondering what to do now? Don’t worry. Here at The Killers, we are experts at eliminating termite infestations. Call today to talk about our service plan options.
Termites can sneak up on an unprepared homeowner, but knowing more about the pesky creatures can help homeowners avoid future infestations.
Termites in Oregon
Termites cost Oregon homeowners tons of money every year in damaged property. While we get many different types of termites here in the Pacific Northwest, two main species of termites can be a problem for Oregon homeowners: subterranean termites and damp wood termites.
Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites are social insects about 1/8 of an inch long. They range in color from white to dark brown, and they have a bad reputation for being one of the most property damaging insects around. Subterranean termites love the damp soil here in Oregon, and they build complex systems of underground mud tubes to infiltrate structures and cause damage. Subterranean termites love dark, humid places and often make their way as far as twenty feet underground.
Dampwood Termites
Dampwood termites do not burrow underground and have smaller wings than subterranean termites. Unlike other species of termites, damp wood termites do not need contact with soil to infest a structure. Dampwood termites are some of the largest species of termite that are active in the United States. The insects work to break down dead wood to return nutrients to the soil, which is excellent for the environment but not so great for your house.
Signs of a Termite Infestation
If you notice any of the following signs of a termite infestation, call the pest control experts at The Killers. Termites can cost homeowners thousands of dollars in property damage if left unchecked, and the structural integrity of your home is at risk with sizable infestations. Termites themselves can be hard to spot since they hide to protect themselves from losing moisture and from predators, but signs of their activity are always visible if you know where to look.
Hollow Sounding Wood
If the timber in your home sounds papery or hollow, you may have a termite infestation. When termites eat wood, they eat it from the inside to the outside. When homeowners tap or knock on areas with termite damage, it’s going to sound hollow due to the middle of the wood being consumed by termites.
You Accidentally Kick Through a Baseboard
Are parts of your home crumbling when you touch them? Did your vacuum go through a door jam? When termites have eaten through enough of wood, such as in a windowsill, bumps, or any contact with the eaten wood can cause it to fall apart. If you suspect any wood in your home has been affected by termites, probe it with a knife or flathead screwdriver to see if it’s been hollowed or carved out by pests.
“Sand” in Weird Places
For some species of termites, the most obvious sign of an infestation is sand or sand-like pellets that appear around the house in places like window sills, door jambs, or furniture. These mysterious piles of sand are termite fecal pellets that have sifted through the wood. Yuck.
Hard-to-Open Windows
Subterranean termites create a “mud” with their excrement, which creates a protective environment for the termites. The “mud” traps heat and moisture, which can cause wood to swell. This process can result in tight-fitting doors and windows that won’t open.
Cracks in the Moulding
When you have a significant termite infestation, termites eat away at the wood in your walls. This process compromises the structural integrity of your home, and cracks can begin to form. However, keep in mind that cracks can form due to various other reasons, such as the ground shifting or other structural problems.
Piles of Wings
Some species of termites swarm in the evening when reproductive conditions are conducive to colony expansion. If you find piles of wings near the television or light sources in the home, you could have a termite infestation and should call us here at The Killers for pest control services you can trust.
Termite Mud
As we mentioned earlier, subterranean termites build “mud” tunnels to protect their colony or food sources. This sign of a termite infestation is probably one of the harder ones to notice as it’s often hidden, but you may notice it if your property has a brick foundation.
How Can The Killers Help You?
Have you noticed any of the above signs of a termite infestation, it’s time to call the pest control experts at The Killers in Portland, Oregon. We have multiple different plans available for homeowners in the Portland area based on the types of pests you regularly encounter. We can accommodate social distancing measures and take every recommended measure to help curb the spread of COVID-19 here in Oregon. Call today to get started and rid your home of these property damaging pests!
