There are a few obvious things that can indicate a termite problem to you, from wood damage to holes in your wall. However, once you notice these visual signs, chances are that serious damage has already been done. Fortunately, these aren’t the only ways you can conclude that unwanted visitors are gnawing at your home. Experts say there is a subtle smell that could give you a clue that you have termites. To see what smell means, call an exterminator, read on, and for another smell to watch out for, read If You Smell This In Your Bedroom You Might Have Bed Bugs.
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According to the pros, termites are known to give off a musty odor that is similar to powdery mildew or mold. Pest Control Expert Natalie Barrett Says, “Termites often smell just like their surroundings. Given that termites like to create living environments in subterranean, dark, musty places, it’s natural to say that they have smells that are similar to mold or damp leaves.”
While these types of smells often lead you to mold hiding around your home, it could actually be a sign that you have termites.
To see if you need to be ready for a major bug to recur, read If You See This In Your Garden Prepare For A Bug Invasion, USDA Says.
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Before doing a large destruction bill, make sure that the smell of mold isn’t coming from actual water damage in your home. Some common signs of water damage include water rings on the ceiling, soft or sagging floors, cracked or warped floors, and damp cabinets, according to ServiceMaster Restore, a restoration service with 800 locations in the United States
However, if “there is no clear indication of the cause [of the smell]It’s time to start thinking about termites, “he says Jerry Wang |, Owner of DIYPestWarehouse. Barrett says that once you are certain you have no water damage, “it is wise to schedule a professional pest inspection to detect this [termites’] Hide and stop the invasion. “
To learn about another scent that may indicate an insect infestation, see If Your Home Smells Like This You May Have A Bug Problem.
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Examine your home for other termite signs to get a better idea of whether or not you have an infestation. “Additional signs that you can rely on to detect a termite infestation are tiny holes in your drywall, damaged wood, loose tiles on the floor, and discolored drywall,” says Barrett.
Dejon BeasleyThe owner of the pest control service, Bug Doctor in Washington, DC, says other signs of termites are vulnerabilities on wooden structures or mud pipes.
If you are not sure whether or not you are seeing signs of termites, it is better to get a professional opinion as the bugs are experts and can cause costly damage. “Because they don’t like the light, they can hide exceptionally well,” says Wang. “You may need to remove floorboards or even areas of wall to find out where they are lurking. If you suspect termites, it is better to act sooner rather than later.”
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While experts suggest that you contact an exterminator if you suspect you have a termite problem, there are tactics you can try yourself to correct the problem.
Wang suggests fighting an infestation with a product that contains fipronil or permethrin. However, if you’re looking for a more natural solution, the experts at Varsity Termite and Pest Control in Arizona can set up a damp cardboard trap. A moistened piece of cardboard can attract termites, and once you’ve prepared a meal from the moist cardboard box, you can burn it and use it to kill the termites. You will also notice that you can spray orange oil on areas where you suspect termites are lurking because it is high in D-limonene, which is deadly to termites.
To see what other pests are making a big comeback, check out these terrible bugs that you forgot to come back soon, warn the exterminators.
