When you see termites in the ceiling

Lions, and tigers, and… Termites in the ceiling?! Oh, my.

If we were to choose which critters we’d rather not see, termites in the ceiling might win. The odds are you won’t look up and see the actual bugs. But there are signs of termites in the ceiling you should know about.

Clues You Have Termites in The Ceiling

Termites are frequently mistaken by the homeowner as ants… Typical signs of termite infestations occur in March through June and in September and October.  –CDC.gov

The Centers for Disease Control says annual property damages from termites are higher than damages from fires and windstorms. The sooner you discover termites in the ceiling, the better.

You should be a proactive property owner. Every 30-45 days, walk around your house and yard. Look at the roof, the yard, your foundation. Inspect your home’s exterior for cracks or gaps in windowsills and doorframes. Then do the same thing inside your home.

Signs you may have termites in the ceiling include:

• Discoloration on the ceiling – Bubbling or staining that looks like water damage may be a clue there are termites above.
• Droppings on the attic floor – Termite fecal droppings are called “frass.” If you see tiny pellets on your attic floor, contact your local pest control company.
• Loose roofing – Even a tile roof has a wooden base. If you see loose shingles or tiles, investigate further.
• Sagging ceiling – If the ceiling appears to be buckling or sagging, check for termites.
• Termite wings caught in spider webs – As you clean for spider webs near the ceiling, look closely to see what’s trapped in them. Termite wings or even termites themselves may be attached to cobwebs.
• Tiny holes in the ceiling – This means something bad’s going on above your ceiling and it might be termites.

Termite tubes on the ceiling are an indicator you have an advanced termite infestation. Termite tubes are usually the same color as our native Arizona soil. They are cylinder-shaped and about the same diameter as a carpenter pencil. The tubes usually extend across the ceiling space in a straight line.

If you can, break off a piece of the tunnel. If it’s damp, it’s fairly new. If the dirt is dry and crumbly, it’s older. Either way, you know you have termites in the ceiling. At this point, most homeowners contact their termite control pro right away. If you wait a few days, you may see signs the termites are reconstructing their ceiling tunnel.

Safety Issues

Probably the biggest safety issues associated with termites in the ceiling is structural decay and damage. The damage control can be substantial. First, you must eliminate the infestation. You should then schedule regular termite treatment to prevent re-infestation.

At that point, you must repair the damaged ceiling. If it buckles and falls, someone could be injured. Pets or a small child could be killed. It’s not worth the risk to loved ones.

Health problems from termites pose another safety issue. The decomposing wood attracts moisture. The damp wood provides a breeding ground for mold.

Mold and mildew from termites in the ceiling compromise your IAQ (indoor air quality). Symptoms can include:

• Coughing
• Headaches
• Itchy eyes
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Sore throat

Arizona Pest Control Services Guaranteed

The CDC also says the most effective method of termite elimination is professional pest control. At Budget Brothers Termite & Pest Elimination, we say prevention is the best medicine.

Schedule a professional termite inspection now. If you plan to sell your home this year, providing a recent termite inspection and regular termite prevention will give your property an edge in a buyers’ market.

We know exactly what to do to get rid of termites. We also have a warranty on our services.

Contact Budget Brothers Termite & Pest Elimination today.