Termites, commonly referred to as “white ants” (though they are only distant relatives of ants), are wood-destroying insects that can cause massive amounts of destruction to your home. These silent destroyers will eat their way through a variety of materials in your home, such as insulation, furniture, and your home’s foundation.

Termites are identifiable by their soft bodies, which are typically white or beige in coloration, and their straight antennas. Swarming termites (pictured below) are darker in color and have wings that allow them to travel further distances to establish new colonies.

Termite mud tunnels/mud tubes are one of the leading signs of an infestation. Termites thrive in humid and moist environments – mud tunnels allow these insects to block out the cool, dry air that threatens their survival. Mud tunnels are often found near the foundation of your home (pictured on the left) or around termite food sources. Identifying a mud tunnel is your sign to contact your local exterminator as soon as possible.

Termite swarmers (pictured on the right) are an especially common warning sign of an infestation, particularly in South Carolina homes. Swarmers are winged adult termites that break away from their current colony to form a new one. After reproduction, swarmers lose their wings and begin building a nest. While the swarmers themselves don’t cause damage, the colonies they build do. Finding dead termites or their wings is an indication that there is a termite infestation posing a risk to your home.

If left untreated, a termite infestation can cause immeasurable amounts of damage. This not only threatens the structural integrity of your home, but also your financial security as you are forced to pay for costly repairs. When you start seeing indications of an infestation, it’s important to call a pest control specialist sooner rather than later. At Pinpoint, our skilled technicians will evaluate your infestation to pinpoint a solution tailored to your specific situation. With years of experience in handling complex infestations, our exterminators know how to eliminate your infestation and keep termites out of your home.