Picture this scenario, you’re a business owner with a beautiful workspace you’ve transformed into a comfortable office space. Everything’s going great (or so you think) until you hear strange noises coming from the attic. You might think it’s just the old building settling down, You might chalk it up to the building settling, but what if it’s a sign of termites in the attic?
Each year in the United States, termites cause more damage than floods, fires, and tornadoes combined! That spells disaster for business owners, for whom termites aren’t just a nuisance – they represent a serious dent in their revenue. Whether you own a quaint bookstore or a bustling tech startup, the last thing you want is termites silently munching away at your assets.
Let’s talk about termites, the sneaky little critters that can turn your attic into their personal all-you-can-eat buffet, and how to get rid of them for good.
1. Hollow Sounds
Hollow wood is a red flag because it indicates that termites have already gotten to work, feasting on the structural integrity of your building. This can lead to the weakening of beams and supports and jeopardize the safety of your workspace.
Tap on wooden beams, supports, and storage units with a screwdriver or a small hammer. Listen carefully for any hollow sounds. If you find any, it’s advisable to contact pest control immediately. Ignoring this can lead to even more damage down the line.
The longer you ignore hollow wood, the higher the repair costs will be. Termites don’t take weekends off, and neither should you when it comes to maintaining the structural integrity of your business. Early detection can save you thousands of dollars and a lot of headaches.
2. Discarded Wings
When termites swarm, they look for a new place to establish a colony. After they find a suitable spot, they shed their wings and dig in. Finding these wings is like finding a breadcrumb trail leading straight to a termite infestation.
Check window sills, light fixtures, and cobwebs for signs of termites in the attic. One piece of advice? Termites are attracted to light, so these are great spots to look for discarded wings.
3. Droppings
If you thought finding discarded wings was bad, wait until you discover termite droppings, also known as frass. These tiny pellets can be a dead giveaway of termite activity in your attic.
Termite droppings are small, oval-shaped pellets that can easily be mistaken for sawdust or coffee grounds. They’re usually found near entry points where termites have burrowed into the wood.
Check around wooden beams, floorboards, and any cardboard storage boxes. Unlike other pests, termites keep their tunnels clean and push their droppings out, so it’s common to find these pellets in neat little piles.
Seeing droppings is a solid indicator of termites in the attic. The longer you wait to address this issue, the more extensive the damage will become, so move fast.
4. Mud Tubes
Mud tubes are the highways termites build to travel between their colony and their food source. These tubes are usually found on walls, floors, or wooden structures and are made of soil, wood particles, and termite saliva.
Mud tubes indicate active termite infestation. These tubes protect termites from predators and maintain moisture levels, allowing them to travel safely. For business owners, this is a scary sight as it means termites have established a well-functioning colony in your building.
Inspect the foundation of your building, crawl spaces, and the base of wooden structures. Termites are sneaky, so you might have to look in less obvious places, like behind insulation or within cracks in the walls.
Mud tubes are a glaring sign that termites are not just passing through – they’re here to stay. Ignoring mud tubes can lead to severe structural damage, costing you a fortune in repairs and potentially disrupting your business operations.
Look Everywhere For Termites
Take a close look at any wooden furniture stored in your attic. Termites love to burrow into furniture, leaving behind a trail of destruction. Look for tiny holes or sawdust-like material around your furniture pieces.
Cardboard boxes are also termite magnets. They provide an excellent source of cellulose, which termites feed on. Check your cardboard storage boxes for signs of gnawing or tiny holes.
A flashlight can be your best friend when searching for termites. Shine it into dark corners, behind insulation, and around wooden beams. Look for any movement or unusual markings that could indicate termite activity.
Found Signs of Termites in the Attic? Contact Banner Pest Control Today
You’ve learned the telltale signs of a termite infestation in your attic, from hollow-sounding wood to discarded wings, droppings, and mud tubes. Early detection is absolutely critical if you want to avoid costly repairs and keep your business running smoothly.
Don’t wait until it’s too late—take action now. Grab the magnifying glass and a notepad, and start recording any and all signs of termite infestations while you can.
If you’re having trouble figuring out the signs of termites in the attic or anywhere else in your building, don’t panic. It can be hard sussing out the signs, especially if you’re not sure whether it’s termites you’re dealing with or something else entirely. That’s when hiring a professional pest control company can be so beneficial.
If you suspect termites in your attic, contact Banner Pest Control in San Francisco Bay, San Jose, and the East Bay Area. Our experts will provide a thorough inspection and effective treatment to safeguard your business from these pesky invaders.
