Mar 16, 2017, 10:18 AM by Clark Pest Control Concord Office

As spring approaches, termites seek out moisture-damaged homes, where they can quickly chew through wood, flooring, and even wallpaper undetected. And with the especially wet winter California has experienced, the likelihood of termite activity in and around your home may be higher than usual.

Once a termite colony is established in a structure, the damage those termites cause can be quite severe. According to the National Pest Management Association, termite infestations cause more than $5 billion in property damage each year – an expense typically not covered by your homeowners insurance.

This week has been declared National Termite Awareness Week, and the Clark Man is here with some helpful information on how to spot a potential termite infestation in your home.

Knowing if termites are munching away at your home is not easy. Termites are stealthy insects and often go undetected for extended periods of time, because they enter a home through the soil and often attack non-visible areas (e.g., structural joists, floorboards, etc.).

Termites are also aggressive, relentless pests that feed around the clock, and they can cause significant structural damage in just a few short years if left unchecked.

Five Signs of a Termite Infestation

1. Discarded wings, near windowsills and doors, are often the only outwardly visible sign of an infestation
2. Subterranean termites build mud tubes found near the home’s foundation to provide moisture while they travel between their colony and food source
3. Wood that is soft and sounds hollow when tapped, or dark and blistering pieces of wood
4. Uneven or bubbling paint is often a sign of moisture buildup, which could mean one of two things – water damage or termites
5. Light, wood-colored droppings that resemble sawdust inside or outside the home

If you spot any of these conditions, the Clark Man highly recommends you contact a pest management professional for a thorough inspection and review of treatment options.

Playing the do-it-yourself card with termites can end up backfiring and lead to unwanted headaches and hassles, and it can cost you a significant amount of money to correct.

If you think your home may have termites, call or text (800) WE-NEED-YOU (936-3339) or drop me an email at clarkcares@clarkpest.com.

Until next time I’m the Clark Man, and thanks for helping me keep unwanted pests out of your home.