Dangers of Termites and Why You Shouldn’t Delay Their Termination

Subterranean termites in San Juan PR - Rentokil, formerly Oliver ExterminatingTermites are one of the most feared pests in our region, not for their ability to bite, sting, or cause harm to us, but for their habits of wreaking havoc on our homes. The National Pest Management Association estimates that termites cause over $5 billion in damage in the United States every year! What’s more, they do so stealthily, often building up colonies in peoples’ homes that last for years without being discovered. If you are worried about a possible termite infestation in your home, this advice from our termite experts will reinforce that you should have that checked out sooner rather than later.

What Do Termites Do?

Termites are infamous for chewing through the wooden structures of homes. Out in the wild, this is a huge benefit to their ecosystems, as the deterioration of old trees allows for a redistribution of nutrients in the surrounding soil. Many people think that because termites prefer to eat wood cellulose, their primarily brick or alternate material homes are safe. However, this is not the case.

Termites are able to find and chew through any kind of wood in our homes, including:

  • Baseboards, moulding, and siding
  • Tables and chairs
  • Cabinets, dressers, and closets
  • Hardwood floors, and more

Termites can even damage window plaster and siding made out of metal. Of course, homes with more wood are more liable for termite damage, but it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to termites.

Signs of Termites in Your Home

Unfortunately for us, termites like to move in secret. It can be difficult to detect a termite infestation in your home before they cause a serious amount of damage. What’s more, some species of termites do most of their work underground—subterranean termites are the most common and the most destructive species of termites in San Juan PR. Although it might be too late to avoid expensive repairs once you’ve seen these, here are some signs that termites are active in your home:

  • Swollen-looking floors or ceilings
  • Buckling wood
  • Blemishes that look like water damage
  • Mazes of layers in walls or furniture

Need Professional Termite Control in San Juan PR?

If you’re looking for an expert termite exterminator in San Juan PR, look no further. Our technicians at Rentokil, formerly Oliver Exterminating, are trained to not only remove active infestations but prevent future ones. With decades of experience and the most effective termite control products available at our disposal, we are proud to be the most reliable termite exterminators in the area. For a free quote or to learn more about our termite control treatments, contact us today!

Signs You May Have Termites in Puerto Rico

Termite frass is a common sign of termites in Puerto Rico - Rentokil formerly Oliver Exterminating

Termites are one of the biggest pest problems in Puerto Rico. Unfortunately, it is rare to see termites themselves, making it hard to know you have a problem until damage has been caused. While homeowners likely won’t notice termites, they can possibly notice the evidence of their activity. By knowing how to recognize the signs you may have termites, you can better protect your property from a full-blown infestation. The termite pros at Rentokil formerly Oliver Exterminating are here to share all you need to know about the signs of termites in or near your home.

Most Common Signs of Termites

  1. Termite swarms. Every year, reproductive termites (also known as alates and swarmers) will leave their colony to mate and form new ones. Swarmer termites are frequently mistaken for other flying insects, especially carpenter ants. Seeing winged termites in the spring or summer months is a common sign of termites spreading.
  2. Piles of shed wings. After they swarm, the reproductive termites no longer need their wings. So, they will shed them! Termite wings are all the same size and translucent in color. After being shed, they can often appear in a pile together.
  3. Termite droppings. As they tunnel through dry wood as well as when they swarm, drywood termites create kick-out holes in the wood. This is when their droppings, also known as frass, can be found. Termite frass most closely resembles sawdust or coffee grounds and can appear in groups.
  4. Mud tubes. Subterranean termites nest underground but use mud tubes to travel. These pencil-sized tubes protect the termites from outdoor elements as it blocks out cool, dry air. Seeing mud tubes along the outside of your property is likely the number one sign of termites.
  5. Termite damage. Seeing damage caused by termites is indicative of a serious infestation. Damage most frequently appears in wood around the home. Common damage includes unexplained cracks on walls, beams, and rafters. It can cause sagging wood in your floors, as well as hollow-sounding wood. Sometimes wood damage can lead to weakened baseboards and floorboards.

Think You Have a Termite Problem?

As soon as you spot any of the above signs of termites, it’s time to call in the experts. A trained termite technician knows exactly where to look for termites and can help identify potential problems. To learn more about termites here in Puerto Rico, give the termite exterminators at Rentokil a call today.