Study This Photo--If You Find This Bug In Your House, You Need To Call in a Pro

Photo byGado Images

Spotting a few bugs in the house is typically a nuisance, but there's one in particular that should ring alarm bells for homeowners. If you come across the bug in the photo above, it's time to call in a professional.

The insect pictured is a termite, specifically a dead alate, or winged termite. These termites are often seen during swarming season, when they leave their colonies to start new ones.

The presence of alates in your home is a strong indicator of an active termite infestation, the Environmental Protection Agency says.

Termites are notorious for their ability to cause significant structural damage to buildings.

They feed on cellulose, the main component of wood, and can silently eat away at the wooden structures of your home, often without immediate visible signs. By the time their presence is discovered, the damage can be extensive and costly to repair.

Signs of Termite Infestation

Besides finding alates or discarded wings, other signs of termite activity include:

1. Mud Tubes: These are small tunnels made of soil and wood particles that termites use to travel between their colony and food sources.
2. Wood Damage: Hollow-sounding wood, blistering pieces of wood, or wood that is easily penetrated by a screwdriver can indicate termite damage.
3. Droppings: Termite droppings, or frass, look like small, wood-colored pellets and can often be found near the site of an infestation.

What to Do If You Suspect Termites

If you suspect a termite infestation, it's crucial to act quickly. Here are the recommended steps, according to the California Pest Control board.

1. Contact a Professional: Reach out to a licensed pest control expert. They have the tools and expertise to properly assess the situation and determine the extent of the infestation.
2. Inspection: A thorough inspection by the professional will identify the specific type of termite and the severity of the problem.
3. Treatment Plan: Based on the inspection, the professional will suggest an appropriate treatment plan. This can range from bait systems to liquid treatments and sometimes fumigation for severe infestations. Some plans involve heating the entire home to a high temperature.

That said, don't panic. We spoke with a terminate professional from the company Ecoguard, and they said that finding a few termites in your home is not necessarily a sign of an infestation--the termites can fly in through open doors or windows.

Still, only a pro can sort out the difference between a few termites and an infestation. So it's always best to get an inspection.

Prevention Tips

To prevent future termite infestations, consider the following tips from the EPA and other sources that we researched:

• Eliminate Moisture: Termites thrive in moist environments. Fix leaky pipes, ensure proper drainage, and use dehumidifiers in damp areas.
• Reduce Wood Contact: Keep firewood, lumber, and other wooden materials away from your home's foundation.
• Regular Inspections: Schedule regular termite inspections, especially if you live in an area prone to termite activity.

Termites are a serious threat to the structural integrity of your home. Early detection and prompt professional intervention are key to minimizing damage and ensuring the safety of your property. If you find a bug like the one in the photo, don't hesitate to call in a pro.