5 Telltale Signs of a Termite Infestation
Living in sunny Glendora, CA certainly has its perks. Year-round warmth, proximity to the gorgeous San Gabriel Mountains, and beautiful neighborhoods like Morgan Ranch and Big Tree.
But here’s the bad news for homeowners in the area: our ideal climate also makes Glendora a hotbed for one of your home’s worst enemies: termites. These tiny pests chew through wood like it’s an all-you-can-eat buffet, causing over $5 billion in damage annually in the U.S. alone.
The tricky part? Termites often work quietly, making it tough to spot their presence until it’s too late.
It’s tough. But not impossible. Here are the key termite signs to watch for, tips on identifying termite damage, and insight into what termites look like if you see one scuttle by.
And if you’re ever in doubt, a professional termite inspection can save you from costly repairs down the line.
5 Telltale Signs of a Termite Infestation
Termites are sneaky, but they always leave breadcrumbs (just not the kind you want to find in your house). Look for these signs of trouble in and around your home:
Mud Tubes: These pencil-sized trails are like underground highways for termites, protecting them as they travel between their nest and their next meal (your house). Mud tubes are often found along foundations, walls, or crawl spaces.
Hollow-Sounding Wood: Tap on wooden beams, floors, or furniture. If they sound hollow, termites may have chewed through the inside, leaving only a thin surface layer.
Discarded Wings: Termites don’t just crawl. They fly during their swarming season. If you see piles of tiny oval-shaped wings near windows or door frames, that’s a major red flag.
Frass (Termite Droppings): Drywood termites leave small, wood-colored pellets near infested areas. If you notice unexplained sawdust piles, inspect further.
Warping or Bubbling Paint: Termites love damp wood and might infest areas prone to moisture. Warping paint or bubbling surfaces could signal their presence just beneath the surface.
What Are Termites and Why Are They a Problem?
Termites aren’t your average pest. These bugs operate more like an army. They live in large colonies (sometimes millions strong) and work 24/7 munching through the cellulose found in wood, drywall, and even paper.
Glendora homes are especially at risk thanks to the city’s ideal termite climate. Between the warmer months and occasional moisture from Santa Ana winds or winter rains, termites have everything they need to build their happy home within yours.
Unlike ants or other pests, termites cause structural damage that goes well beyond inconvenience. It’s expensive. Repairs to termite-infested homes can set you back thousands of dollars, which makes catching the problem early essential.
Key Indicators of Termite Activity
You might be wondering, "Okay, but what do termites look like?" Good question! Termites often resemble ants but differ in a few crucial ways:
Swarmers (a.k.a. alates): These are reproductive termites with straight antennae, two evenly sized wings, and pale or dark brown bodies. They’re often mistaken for flying ants but play a huge role in forming new colonies.
Workers: These are the stay-at-home type, busy chewing through wood. They’re about the same size as a grain of rice and white or cream-colored.
Soldiers: These guys have large, brown heads with menacing pinchers to protect the colony.
If you’re squinting at a bug and can’t decide whether it’s an ant or termite, reach out for a professional termite inspection. Identifying the pest correctly means faster and more effective treatment.
When to Call a Professional for Termite Control
Here’s the thing about DIY termite treatments: you can’t outwit a colony of a million termites armed with nothing but hardware store bait traps. Termite control requires expertise and precision, and that’s where we step in.
If you notice any solid termite signs, suspect termite damage, or simply feel uneasy about something suspicious in your home, a professional termite inspection is your best bet.
At ProCraft Pest Control, we use advanced tools and our deep knowledge of Glendora neighborhoods to identify the problem and recommend lasting solutions. Whether you’re in the heart of downtown Glendora or out near South Hills Park, we’re here to help.
Did You Know?
Termites are relentless pests that work round the clock, taking no breaks. That tireless schedule explains how they can inflict such widespread damage quickly. A single termite colony can consume one foot of a 2x4 beam in around five months. With colonies numbering in the millions, the urgency for addressing termites becomes all too clear.
Schedule a Professional Termite Inspection with ProCraft
Don’t wait until the floors creak or the walls crumble. Act today to protect your home from termites.
Glendora homeowners like you trust ProCraft Pest Control for expert termite care tailored to the area’s unique challenges.
Schedule your professional termite inspection with us and rest easy knowing your home is in good hands.
FAQ
What do termites look like up close?
Termites often resemble ants but feature straight antennae, a thick, straight body, and wings of equal length (if they’re swarmers). Workers are rice-sized and creamy-white, while soldiers have enlarged brown heads.
How can I tell if I have termite damage?
Look for warped or bubbling paint, hollow-sounding wood, mud tubes, or frass (termite droppings). If you’re seeing multiple signs, it’s time for a professional inspection.
What’s the cost of a professional termite inspection?
Pricing can vary based on the size of your property and the severity of the infestation. However, considering that untreated termites can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage, a professional inspection is a worthwhile investment.
Are termites common in Glendora?
Absolutely. Glendora’s warm temperature and occasional moisture create the perfect environment for termites. Homeowners should remain vigilant year-round.
Can I treat termites myself?
DIY solutions might slow the problem temporarily, but termites often come back stronger. Professional treatments ensure a thorough, lasting solution.
