Termite infestation

Termites are one of the most destructive pests on the planet, chewing through wood at an alarming rate and causing an estimated $6.8 billion in property damage annually. While some might assume termites are just a household pest, the truth is, these pests do not discriminate and pose a serious threat to the structure of commercial facilities. This Termite Awareness Week, March 3 – 9, 2024, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is sharing the tell-tale signs of a termite infestation all commercial facility managers should be aware of. 

5 Tell-Tale Signs of a Termite Infestation

Sign #1: Swarmers  

• Swarmers are young female and winged termites that often invade structures in the springtime. They especially seek out buildings that have sustained damage from severe winter weather. Once swarmers have determined your facility to be a good fit, it’s likely that the rest of the termite colony will follow.  

Sign #2: Discarded Wings 

• The discarded wings of swarmers can often be found near windows and doors and are often the first and only outwardly visible sign of a termite problem  

Sign #3: Wood Damage  

• Termites tend to eat wood from the inside out, so wood that sounds hollow when tapped often signifies a termite infestation. Facility managers should also look for rotting wood. 

Sign #4: Frass 

• Drywood termites produce wood-colored droppings as they eat through infested wood. If a facility manager or employee finds a small pile of what looks like pellets inside or outside the building, it could be a sign of a drywood termite infestation.   

Sign #5: Mud Tubes  

• Subterranean termites build mud tubes to provide moisture when they travel between their colony and a food source. Mud tubes are most often found near the building’s foundation.  

To prevent an infestation and costly termite damage, NPMA recommends facility managers eliminate or correct any moisture concerns as termites need water for their populations to thrive.