How to Identify Termites in Your Antioch Home

Many pest infestations are easy to spot. If ants get into your house, you’ll notice them all over your kitchen within a day or two. Rodents may try to stay out of your way, but the signs of their presence give them away pretty quickly. 

Termites, on the other hand, are very good at getting into your house and not alerting you that they’ve moved in. You could live with termites for years before realizing they’re even there. Because termites are wood-destroying pests, it’s important to know how to identify them in your Antioch home. The sooner you can identify a termite problem, the less damage they can do around your house. 

How do you identify a termite?

Identifying termites can be tricky because you rarely see them. Termites spend their lives underground or within the wooden elements of your house. The only ones that come out in the open are swarmer termites during mating season.

Even though you’re unlikely to see termites out in the open, it’s still important to know what they look like. You might see swarmer termites during your day. You can also find other termites if you know what to look for and where.

Swarmer termites look a lot like carpenter ants. They are fairly large, growing up to half an inch in length. Swarmer termites have black or dark brown bodies, a set of straight antennae, and two sets of equal length wings that they discard after mating.

Worker and soldier termites stay underground and out of sight their entire lives because the air can quickly dry them out. These termites are smaller than swarmer termites, growing to around an eighth of an inch long. They have milky white or yellowish bodies. Soldier termites have larger, blockier heads than worker termites.

What is the best way to check for termites?

Because termites stay out of sight the vast majority of the time, it can be hard to know how to look for them. Signs of their presence are subtle, especially if the infestation is recent. You can find out if termites are in your Antioch home; here's what you can check.

Check all wooden structures and items in your home. This includes window frames, door frames, exposed beams, furniture, and more. Also, look at the spots where termites might get into your home. These include basements, crawl spaces, and foundations. 

It’s also wise to look outside for any signs of a termite colony. Termites start outside and then move inside. If you see them on your property, they'll likely invade your home soon. Check dead or rotting trees for termites. Also, inspect wooden items, like fence posts, that touch the soil.

How do you identify a termite colony?

As you look for termites, you need to know what the signs of their presence include. Look for these signs of termite activity:

• Mud tubes: These are most often found along foundation walls.

• Discarded wings: A pile of wings means a termite swarm has happened recently.

• Wood damage: Termite damage looks like tunnels or mazes in the wood.

• Bubbling or blistering paint or wallpaper

• Buckling or sagging floors, walls, and ceilings

• Windows and doors that don’t open and close easily

What kills termites the fastest?

The only effective way to end an active termite infestation in your house is with professional termite control. An internet search may show many DIY termite control methods, but these don’t solve the main issue. The colony stays put and continues to grow.

All-American Pest Control offers the best termite control in Antioch with the installation of the Sentricon® Termite Colony Elimination System. This baiting system requires no drilling, is environmentally responsible, and operates without chemicals. It effectively eliminates and prevents termites. It wipes out the whole colony, so every last termite is dealt with.

What does an infestation mean in your Antioch home?

Termites damage homes. These pests cause more than $5 billion in damage each year in the U.S. Some of this damage happens right here in Antioch. 

Termites are destructive because they can work for a long time without being seen. They eat wood from the inside out. Many times, people don’t realize they have a termite problem until the damage has become severe.

Termite infestations can be treated, and most termite damage is repairable. Even so, it’s far better to prevent a termite infestation and the resulting damage than it is to deal with it after it’s occurred.

How to locate a termite source?

If you think you have termites in your Antioch home, you might want to figure out how they’re getting inside. The most likely area is somewhere along your foundation. You can look for mud tubes and pay attention to areas in the soil around your foundation that have higher moisture levels than other areas.

However, the best way to identify the source of a termite infestation is to contact All-American for a termite inspection. Our pest professionals are trained, experienced, and licensed to identify termites and termite damage. We provide the help you need and peace of mind.

How do I permanently control termites?

The only way to permanently control termites around your Antioch home is with professional termite control. Luckily, it’s easier than ever to implement an effective termite control plan that protects your home all day, every day.

The Sentricon® Termite Colony Elimination System is the best for removing and preventing termites. All-American Pest Control’s technicians are Certified Sentricon® Specialists. We will install and monitor this system. We’ll also provide regular maintenance. This will give you ongoing termite protection, so you can stop worrying about termites for good. We back our termite control with a $1,000,000 termite damage repair warranty. Eight out of ten homes qualify.

Protect Your Antioch Home From Termites With All-American

For termite inspections and control services, look no further than All-American Pest Control. Our termite control is the best. Our pest specialists have the experience you need for a fully protected home. Get in touch with us today to schedule your termite inspection.

Schedule a termite inspection today

Reliable Pest Control in Nashville, TN & Nearby Neighborhoods

Since 1961, All-American Pest Control has been your go-to team of trusted pest experts for  homes, businesses, and home builders throughout Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Our expert team offers termite treatments, mosquito reduction, rodent removal, ant and spider control, and wasp nest removal—keeping your property protected year-round. As a local, family-owned company, we take pride in offering reliable, professional pest solutions with outstanding customer service.

We proudly serve: Cane Ridge Farms, Crieve Hall, Forest Hills, Green Hills, Hillwood, Lenox Village, Old Natchez, Sylvan Park, West Meade, White Bridge, Antioch, Donelson, Donelson Hills, Hermitage, Inglewood, Lockeland Springs, Maplecrest, Maplewood Heights, Nashboro Village, Neely's Bend, Priest Lake Park, Stewarts Ferry, and the entire Davidson County and Greater Nashville areas.

For trusted pest control in Nashville, TN, and these surrounding communities, contact All American Pest Control today! Call (615) 824-8814 or schedule a free termite inspection today.