Summertime means spending time with family and friends. However, warmer days are also when most termite species swarm your home. Consider looking for signs of termites to prevent serious damage to your property over your summer vacation. Here are several early warning signs before contacting a termite control company.

How to Know if You Have Pest Infestation

1. Presence of Mud Tubes

Mud tubes are small tubes made of dirt or termite droppings that run from the ground to the exposed wood of your home. Termites often use these tubes as pathways and protection from the dryness in the air. To check if there are active termites in your home, look for a mud tube and break a small piece. If you don’t find any, check if the mud tube has been repaired the next day. When mud tubes are repaired, it is a sign of an active infestation in your home. Finally, seek professional termite control to prevent structural damage to your property.

2. Stuck Windows and Doors

Stiff windows and doors could indicate a pest infestation, as termites prefer locations where the wood is exposed, like windows and door frames. When they start to chew and dig through wood, they produce moisture, which causes warping. This may lead to difficulty in opening and closing windows and doors. Inspect your door frames and windowsills. If there are small holes, it is a telltale sign of pest infestation. Call a termite control company to help eliminate pests inside your home.

3. Visible Damage Under Paint or Wallpaper

Before and after feeding through the wood paneling, termites make tunnels and small pinholes underneath the surface of your walls. As a result, it will be difficult to notice pest infestation until you peel the paint during home renovations and repairs. If you suspect a pest invasion, look for buckling wood and bubbling paint around the area. 

If you suspect you have pests in your home, contact Extermination Services in Port Orchard, WA. This team of licensed exterminators provides complete extermination services from pest control to rodent removal for residential and commercial clients. The products their exterminators use feature a low toxicity rating and come with a 90-day warranty for pests and a 60-day warranty for rodents. Visit their website for additional information on their termite control service, or call (360) 895-1890 to discuss your needs.