Typically, homeowners decide it’s time for a termite inspection during the months of March, April and May. During this time, large numbers of winged “swarmers” start getting inside homes, where they seek other mates and places to build their colonies. Swarmers move in droves, drop their wings and pair off. They are rather easy to capture with a vacuum, however. Yet, even so, the presence of swarmers usually indicates that “there are more where that came from,” so you’ll need to call in a termite inspection pro.
You’ll know you have a termite (rather than some sort of ant) by its straight antennae (not elbowed), its broad waist (not slender) and its thorax-length wings (not smaller hind wings). Termite swarmers are attracted to windows, doors and lights. If a termite inspection uncovers termites outside in a wood pile or tree stump, it is not necessarily a cause for alarm. You should be concerned only if winged termites are seen around your foundation, porch, or patio.
During a termite inspection, other tell-tale signs of infestation may include mud tubes the size of a pencil that provide shelter while termites travel to their underground colonies. Termite-damaged wood is usually hollowed-out along the grain, with bits of dried mud or soil lining the feeding areas. Termites usually bore holes through plaster or drywall and bring a lot of soil with them. Rippled or sunken wallpaper may also indicate a termite tunnel. More often than not, termites leave little to no trace and are only discovered after years of damage has been done.
