In 2019, Bug Bully Pest Control received a call for ant treatment in Northbridge, but our technicians discovered a significant termite problem as well. The homeowner had noticed unusual activity in their basement, which turned out to be a clear sign of termite activity—termite mud tubes.
No matter the call we receive, our technicians thoroughly investigate the concerns of our customers. We’ve created this guide to help you identify termite activity in Massachusetts before it causes extensive damage. In this guide, you’ll also learn about the termite caste system, potential damage, and why you should seek termite control services in Massachusetts.
Mud Tubes And Other Signs Of Termite Activity
One of the first things you should be on the lookout for is mud tubes. Termites construct these tubes to create protected pathways from their nests to their food sources. Here are other signs of termites to look for:
- Examine exterior foundation walls for narrow, mud-covered tubes, both vertical and horizontal, indicating termite activity.
- Termites often infest crawl spaces beneath your home, so inspect them thoroughly, especially if you suspect termites.
- Check basement walls for mud tubes and tap wooden surfaces for hollowness, a sign of termite damage.
- Be vigilant about inspecting wooden structures like decks or fences attached to your home. Damaged or hollow wood suggests a termite infestation.
- Keep an eye out for termite swarms in spring, characterized by groups of winged termites emerging to mate and form new colonies. Spotting swarms indoors or around your property is a warning sign.
Important: Swarmers resemble flying ants. So, if you see any winged insects resembling ants shedding their wings, be on the safe side and call us regarding termite identification.
What You Should Know About Swarmers And The Termite Caste System
Understanding termite biology can aid in detecting an infestation. Termites follow a caste system with three primary roles:
- Workers: These are the colony’s most numerous members and are responsible for feeding the colony. They are often inside infested wood.
- Soldiers: With larger, darker heads and powerful jaws, soldiers defend against threats like ants, indicating an established colony.
- Swarmers: These reproductive members have wings and emerge in spring to mate and start new colonies.
Again, spotting swarmers indoors or around your home signals a mature termite colony nearby.
The Extent Of Damage Termites Can Create In Your Home
Termites can cause significant harm to your home, leading to:
- Gradual damage: Termites silently eat away at wood, making detecting them a challenge.
- Costly repairs: Fixing termite damage involves expensive structural work and wood replacement. Early detection saves money.
- Property value impact: A termite history can lower your home’s resale value. Quick action and the documentation of treatments help maintain your home’s worth.
- Hidden damage: Termites don’t limit their destruction to wood; they can damage paper, insulation, and even pool liners.
Their reach is broader than you might think. However, professional home pest control in Massachusetts can reach just as far (and then some).
The Importance Of Professional Termite Control For Your Home
At Bug Bully Pest Control, we’ve come across a lot of trained home inspectors who have routinely misdiagnosed termite damage for carpenter ant damage or wood rot. From mud tubes to swarmers, some signs are more noticeable than others. Identifying termites properly and carefully in the first place is the fastest way to get a surefire treatment done. That way, you can rest easy without worrying about damage to your home.
Bug Bully Pest Control provides every customer with comprehensive termite control in Massachusetts. If you suspect a termite issue, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 508-981-4180. We proudly serve Worcester, MA, and nearby towns and offer one and two-year warranties for all termite treatments, along with ongoing termite prevention programs.
