It’s not uncommon for homeowners to notice termite infestations only once a colony is already well-established in their homes. Even if there are termites or other signs of infestation present before it reaches serious levels, many homeowners mistake them for ants or other insects and put off calling an exterminator believing that they have no reason to. Instead of putting off that necessary call, check out the following article about how to identify termites in Columbia MD to find out whether or not a home may be suffering from an infestation.
Physical Characteristics
The easiest way to tell the difference between a termite and an ant is to examine the insect’s wings and antennae. While termites have four wings that are the same size as their bodies, ants have wings that are different sizes. Ants’ antennae also tend to differ from termites’ in that they are somewhat curved, while termites’ antennae are straight.
Types of Termites
There are three main types of termites, known as winged, worker, and soldier termites. The first of these tend to be dark brown or black in color and have the wings and antennae described above. Worker termites, on the other hand, do not have wings and are white and often translucent in appearance, while soldier termites can be differentiated from winged termites by their pincers as well as their lack of wings.
Signs of Infestations
Since it’s often difficult to even find, let alone capture, actual termites in Columbia MD, it can be easier to look for secondary signs of infestation. These include damage to walls, floors, and ceilings, chipped paint, droppings, and mud tubes. It’s also possible to hear an infestation before seeing it, as soldier termites are known to tap their heads against the insides of walls, producing a faint tapping sound.
Know When to Get Help
If there are any signs of termites in a home, it’s already well past time to seek the help of a professional exterminator. Failing to do so can lead to more substantial damage, and existing termites won’t simply go away on their own. Schedule an appointment with a local exterminator today to get a grasp on the extent of the infestation and learn about available options.
