Most homeowners don’t realize the signs of a termite infestation until it’s way too late. Most termites in Massachusetts attack through cracks between a home’s outside brick and the wood framing; or will attack from the ground up. Termites carry out their work silently and efficiently, eating their way through the wood and lining the tunnels they create with mud and debris. Termites’ primary diets consist of cellulose, the protein that trees are made of. Most of the time, a homeowner will either ignore the signs of termite infestation or not even realize that termites are there until his or her home or property collapses!

Certain species of termites will prefer wet wood or dry wood; but there is one type of termite, called the subterranean termite, that will eat through nearly anything to get at the wood that it needs. Piping, plaster, wallpaper-even through metal “termite shields” that are supposed to guard against them in the first place! Unlike carpenter ants, who will eat through the wood and use it to lay their young in; termites will dig from the nest to get to the wood and bring the wood back to the nest. Termites will build mud tubes that protect the workers from predators, strong winds and light.

What are the signs of termite infestation? Most homeowners have no clue what to look for. Termite infestation often looks like water damage, with wooden floors and ceilings that looks swollen and buckled. If you are thinking of bringing home a beautiful piece of antique furniture, inspect it first. A severe termite infestation will often cause the veneer on top of the piece to crack off, exposing the labyrinth tunnels that the termites created underneath. With New England being a haven for antiques; as a result there are hundreds of thousands of termites in Massachusetts living off of antique furniture. And finally, a really severe infestation can smell like mold or mildew; a common sign that homeowners often miss.

To help keep your home from becoming infested by termites; or if you think termites in Massachusetts have invaded your home, call Absolute Pest Control today to formulate a course of attack. Don’t let your home become a motel for these dangerous and destructive pests!