What to Do if You Spot Termites

Termites can be a big problem for homeowners. These voracious pests eat wood. That is an issue in our homes and buildings. If a termite problem gets out of hand, they can eat away at our home’s floors, walls, and supporting beams. This damage can be thousands of dollars to fix. 

Spotting a termite infestation

Clearly, you don’t want to let a termite problem get worse. Whether the termites are in your Waldorf home or other structures, finding them early is the key. You can learn the signs of a termite infestation in our article here. 

Below you will find a quick list of the most common termite signs. 

• Seeing a termite. If you see a termite in your home, you likely have a termite infestation. 
• Seeing lots of flying insects or wings in doorways and windows. In the spring termites swarm to find a new nesting site. They shed their wings when they get to their new location. If you see wings in your home, termites have decided to move in. 
• Seeing mud tunnels. Many types of termites use mud tunnels to get around. These will be narrow protrusions on baseboards or walls in your home. 
• Seeing wood shavings near mud tunnels. If you have mud tunnels and piles of wood shavings, then you definitely have a termite problem. Termites eat wood, and the piles of shavings you witness are their droppings. 
• Hollow sounding floors and walls. This sign is a little more subjective. However, it is important to watch out for this problem. Hollow sounding or bendy floors are a sign that termites have eaten away the supports. This can cause a dangerous living situation and should be addressed immediately. 

What to do if you spot termites

But, let’s say you find termites in your Waldorf home. What now? Most importantly, don’t panic. Termite problems can be fixed. You just need professional help to solve the problem. 

Here are a couple more things to keep in mind if you notice a termite problem. 

1. Do not use over-the-counter “solutions” or try to remove them yourself.

If you see signs of a termite infestation, you may be tempted to begin spraying yourself. You may also want to destroy their mud tunnels and try to find their nest. Don’t do either of these things. 

Over-the-counter fly sprays or termite “solutions” do not work well. In this case, it is not better to do something over doing nothing. Plus, if you disturb the termites in any way, they will likely just move on to another location in your home. You will not scare them away. And, you may struggle to find their new location as they continue eating away at your home. 

2. Contact Barefoot Pest Control right away.

We do not recommend trying to solve a termite infestation yourself. Too much is on the line. If you live in the Waldorf, MD area, and notice signs of termites, then you need to call Barefoot Pest Control. We are termite removal experts. Our services are guaranteed to get rid of all termites and keep them out permanently. When you have a termite infestation, you need the help of Barefoot Pest Control.