Serving Memphis, Cordova, Germantown & Collierville TN
Termites are wood-destroying insects that invade homes and wooden structures that could quickly turn into full blown infestations. Unfortunately, termites are difficult to spot by most homeowners and often aren’t caught until significant damage has been done to the structure. However, there are certain things to keep an eye out for and ways to prevent termites. Even more important is how to deal with termite infestations inside your home. So, today on the blog, AAA Termite & Pest Control, a termite company in Cordova, shares the best way to get rid of termites, as well as preventing these insects in the first place.
Common types of termites in Memphis and Cordova
Many different termite species exist around world, but the subterranean termites are the most common in West Tennessee. Subterranean termites build nests underground, which creates a secret and unseen passage inside of homes from the foundation, upward. This termite species creates mud tubes along foundations or exterior walls as a safe passage to the indoors and to unseen areas like floor joists, underneath wood flooring, and inside the walls. Unfortunately, termites are quite crafty and conceal their mud tubes in hard to see areas like cracks or crevices, or inside of crawlspaces, areas most homeowners rarely inspect.
Termites swarm or mate during the spring, and this is also the time of year that they are most active and you’re more likely to notice them as opposed to winter months when they are harder to spot.
Signs of termites in your Cordova home
- Mud tubes – You might have termites if you spot mud tubes along your home’s foundation or inside the crawlspace. Mud tubes are quite small, about pencil-sized, although swarm mud tubes may be larger. Mud tubes can easily be overlooked or mistaken for something harmless.
- Bubbling or peeling paint – As termites get into your walls, the paint or wallpaper may bubble or peel. Therefore, inspect these issues if you notice them anywhere inside your home.
- Hollow sounding wood, tight fitting doors and windows, and squeaky floors – Termites eat wood, and as the wood breaks down, framing and boards may shift ever so slightly, or just enough to affect a door or window closing as it should. You may also notice hollow sounds as you knock on walls or walk across your floors. If you notice any of these instances that weren’t present before, it’s best to call a pro for a termite inspection in Cordova.
- Discarded termite wings – It’s not unusual to spot pieces of dead bugs inside your home. But discarded termite wings are something to take seriously. Termite wings can be mistaken for flying ant wings, although termite wings are smaller and resemble the shape of rice. Termites have four wings that are the same shape and size and are a white translucent color. Flying ant wings are different in that the front wings are longer than their back wings.
- Piles of sawdust – Unless you’ve been sawing wood, spotting sawdust inside or around your home could signal a termite infestation. Therefore, don’t ignore piles of sawdust because this could mean that termites are busy destroying the wood inside your home, which could significantly compromise your home’s structural safety.
What to do if you spot termites inside your home
Dealing with termites should be left to the professionals. While you may find DIY solutions on the internet, they don’t work and won’t provide lasting treatment. Instead, call AAA Termite & Pest Control for a termite inspection or treatments, if necessary. We can provide year-round monitoring and termite prevention to help lessen the chance that termites will return to your home once the infestation is eliminated.
Termite control companies in Cordova and Memphis, Tennessee
Termites lead to billions of dollars’ worth of damage a year, and homeowners are often on the hook for that cost because insurance doesn’t cover termite damage. Therefore, protect your biggest investment with professional termite control treatments in Cordova. Learn more or schedule a termite inspection by contacting AAA Termite & Pest Control at (901) 737-7378.