Termites cause millions of dollars of damage annually. In the most extreme cases, they make a property structurally unsound and dangerous to occupy. Termite damage happens within the wood of structures, remaining nearly invisible unless the wood is cut in half or there is extensive damage. Because the damage is hidden and many of the signs of termites are subtle, many homeowners miss infestations until they are advanced and damage has already occurred.

How to Detect Subterranean Termites

The termites we have in New York and New Jersey are almost always subterranean termites. While they will spend most of their time buried in the soil or chewing through your walls, entirely out of sight, they can leave behind signs that are visible such as:

• Swarms – In New York, termites swarm between March and April. This is when they leave their current habitat and search for a new place to build a nest. The winged swarmers will fly around for a day before settling in moist soil.
• Discarded Wings – Once settled, termites shed their wings. You might find these around your home or yard during swarming season if termites have settled nearby.
• Mud Tubes – Subterranean termites live adjacent to the wood they eat, not in it. Because they prefer to live underground, they build mud tunnels from their nests to your property to travel safely to your property away from the sun and predators. You will see these along the ground and traveling up the foundation of your property.

Even when you know the signs of termites, it can still require some searching to find them. Subterranean termites live under foundations and in the ground, meaning their damage often starts in basements, crawl spaces, and garages. It often occurs in the areas that are dark and damp where you do not frequently go.

Regularly checking around the perimeter of your home and the interior – or relying on a professional team to conduct an annual termite inspection for you – enables you to find the signs of termite as early as you can.

If you see any of these signs of termites at your property, acting fast is key. Subterranean termites eat 24/7 throughout the summer and fall so every day they are present results in more destruction, more repairs, and a wider spread of damage. 24 Hour Pest Control NYC provides NY termite treatments that can identify and start the termite extermination process whenever you notice signs. Call us to find out more.