Termites are a problem across much of the United States and cause billions of dollars in damage every year. Even though these insects might live in different areas across the nation, they all share the same habits and high level of destruction. For instance, a Northern Kentucky termite can eat someone out of house and home as quickly and effectively as a Cincinnati termite can.

People will know if their homes are infested with termites by a few obvious warning signs. Winged termites, which appear similar to flying ants, flying through a home are one of those obvious signs. The swarming insects usually gather around windows, doors or other sources of light. These winged insects will often emerge at the bottom of the wall or were these areas where porches and patios are attached to the home. Winged termites are generally most noticeable in the spring, usually from March to May. The warm and rainy temperatures are an ideal time for the winged insects to leave the colony and swarm out to find new areas to start new colonies.

Careful inspection of the insect lets an observer tell the difference between a termites and ants. They have straight antennae while ants’ antennae are bent and usually point downward. The wings are the same size whereas an ant has two sets of wings, one smaller than the other. They also have a straight body with a broad ways and ants have a slender, wasp-like waist that divides its body into obvious segments.

They build mud tubes that look like small tunnels. These tubes are usually less than one inch in diameter but they can run down the length of an entire wall or other large area, such as a pillar or supports on a patio or porch. Termites use these tubes to travel among their subterranean colonies. These pests also frequently abandoned tubes to go build new ones so an empty tube does not necessarily indicate the absence of termites in the home.

Inspecting wood in the home’s baseboards and other areas is another way to check for them. Wood that is damaged often has long, skinny hollowed-out areas that run parallel to the wood grain. The damaged wood is also likely to have particles of soil or dried mud inside the crevices. Although these bugs are not known for infesting plaster and drywall, they can bore through these materials leaving small holes, again with particles of dried mud or soil inside the crevices. Many homeowners have their houses inspected every year. Even if the home and all its walls and would appears to be in tip-top shape, it can still be the victim of a termite infestation. The damage is not always readily visible to the homeowner. They can sometimes eats through a wooden structures interior while leaving the outside surface of the wood intact. The best way to protect homes from these nasty bugs is with preventative maintenance. Regular inspections and spraying by professional exterminators help keep a home safe. Professional exterminators are also the best answer to rid a home of infestation.

Author Bio: Penny Lane read recently of a Northern Kentucky termite problem which is causing damage to area homes. She searched the term Cincinnati termite to find an exterminator to inspect her home.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: Northern Kentucky termite,Cincinnati termite