Dealing with any pest can be a nuisance, but one of the most troublesome is the common termite. These destructive, wood-loving insects usually arrive when the weather heats up, especially after it rains. They don’t always leave much evidence behind, but there are still ways to determine if you need a termite control professional. Here are three major signs that there’s a problem.

3 Key Signs Your Home Has a Termite Problem

1. You Spot Mud Tubes

Termites are resourceful and industrious. They gnaw wood particles all day and mix those granules with saliva and dirt, creating mud tubes that run from one nest to another. These tubes provide them with a warm, moist space in which to hide. They’re approximately pencil-width and brown or tan. You might notice them on the foundation of the home or in the attic.

2. You Notice Wood Damage

Termites thrive in wooded environments. That’s why they cause such extensive damage to homes and fences. If you have an active infestation, you might discover that the wood feels spongy. Otherwise, there may be no visible external damage. Exterminators can test the integrity of the wood by pushing it with a tool. If it produces a hollow sound or punctures easily due to moisture damage, it may be affected. In that case, the interior wood is likely to be filled with tunnels.

3. You See Discarded Wings

Even if you don’t actually see them burrowing in the wood, you may notice the termites’ discarded wings in the vicinity of the door or around windows. Sometimes they appear in warmer, wetter spots, like near the foundation of the home. The wings are cast off after the termites find themselves a new home, take shelter, and mate. A termite control professional will inspect each area closely for signs of active colonies.

If you suspect you’re dealing with a termite control problem, get in touch with the exterminators at Bug-A-Pest. Based in Maineville, OH, they use a specialized baiting system designed to treat termite infestations and prevent recurrences. Visit the pest control company’s website for more information, or give them a call at (513) 459-7700 to schedule an appointment.