9 Signs of a Rodent Infestation in Your Home or Business

If you've noticed small, winged insects in or around your home or business, it's natural to feel alarmed. Your mind may immediately jump to pests like ants or termites , but determining which one you're dealing with can be a challenge. While both species can look remarkably similar—especially during their swarming phase—their behavior, appearance, and potential for damage vary greatly. Termites can be incredibly destructive to wooden structures, while ants are often more of a nuisance. This guide will help you learn how to tell the difference between ants and termites and what to do next if you suspect an infestation. Still not sure what to do? Contact Restoration Pest Management , your go-to for ant and termite extermination in Columbus. Appearance: Key Physical Differences Although ants and termites both fall under the category of small insects with six legs and antennae, there are a few visual clues that can help you quickly distinguish between the two: Waist Shape : One of the most noticeable features is the waist. Ants have a defined, pinched waist that gives their bodies an hourglass appearance. Termites, by contrast, have a more uniform, straight-sided body with no distinct narrowing at the waist. Antennae : Ants have elbowed or bent antennae, which are quite different from termites’ straight, beaded antennae. Wings : If you spot winged insects, take note of the wing shape and size. Ants’ front wings are longer than their back wings, and their wings are typically more angular. Termites, however, have two pairs of wings that are equal in size and extend well beyond the length of their bodies, giving them a more delicate, symmetrical appearance. Behavior and Habitat: Where and How They Live Understanding the habits and preferences of ants and termites can offer more clues: Ants are opportunistic foragers and are frequently seen trailing along surfaces as they search for food sources inside your home . They tend to nest in walls, under floors, in cracks, or in damp, decaying wood. Ants are especially active during warmer months and are usually more visible than termites. Termites , on the other hand, are secretive by nature. They thrive in dark, moist environments and prefer to stay hidden from view. Termites build colonies underground or inside the very structures they infest. A common external sign of termite presence is the appearance of mud tubes running along foundation walls or other wooden structures. These tubes provide moisture and protection as termites travel between their colony and food sources. Damage Signs: What to Watch For Damage caused by these pests can also help in identifying which insect is to blame: Termites feed directly on cellulose found in wood, paper, and other organic materials. Over time, their feeding can result in significant structural damage. Symptoms of a termite problem include hollow-sounding wood, blistering paint, sagging floors, stuck windows or doors, and small piles of wings left behind after a swarm. Ants , while usually less destructive, can still pose problems—especially carpenter ants. These ants don’t eat wood but will tunnel through it to create their nests. This can cause weakening of structural elements if left untreated, although it typically progresses more slowly than termite damage. Seasonal Activity and Swarming Both ants and termites experience a swarming season when young reproductive insects leave their nests to form new colonies. This is often when homeowners first notice an issue.  Termite swarms usually occur after periods of rainfall, especially in the spring and early summer, when conditions are humid. Ant swarms are also common in the spring but tend to occur on warmer, sunny days, sometimes after rain. Because both pests swarm around the same time of year and in similar weather conditions, misidentification is common. Call a Professional for Peace of Mind Even with this information, it can still be difficult to confidently identify whether you're dealing with ants or termites—especially if you're seeing winged swarmers or only subtle signs of damage. That's where the experts come in. At Restoration Pest Management, our trained professionals are equipped with the experience and tools to determine the exact nature of your pest problem. Whether it's a minor ant infestation or a potentially serious termite issue, we’ll provide an effective, customized solution to protect your property and restore your peace of mind. Don't wait until the damage becomes worse. Contact Restoration Pest Management today for a thorough inspection, expert identification, and targeted treatment options that work.

If you suspect mice in your home in Columbus, one of the first signs to look for is their droppings. Mouse poop is a key indicator of an infestation and can help you determine where these unwelcome guests are hiding. Understanding what mouse droppings look like, where to find them, and how to properly clean them up is crucial in keeping your home safe and pest-free. Mice are notorious for sneaking into homes, particularly during colder months, and their droppings are one of the most obvious clues to their presence. Identifying Mouse Droppings Mouse poop is small, dark, and pellet-shaped. A typical mouse dropping measures between 1/8 and 1/4 inch in length and has a spindle-like or rod-shaped appearance with pointed ends. The color of fresh droppings is usually dark brown to black, but as they age, they become lighter and may take on a grayish hue. Fresh droppings tend to be soft and moist, while older ones harden and become crumbly over time. If you find an accumulation of fresh mouse droppings, this indicates recent or ongoing rodent activity in your home. Identifying the freshness of droppings can help determine whether the infestation is still active or if the mice may have moved on. Where to Find Mouse Droppings in Your Home Since mice are nocturnal creatures that tend to stay hidden, you may not always see them, but their droppings provide clear evidence of their presence. Mouse poop is often found in areas where rodents search for food, build nests, and travel throughout the home . In kitchens and pantries, droppings are commonly discovered near food sources, inside cabinets, behind appliances, and along baseboards. Mice are drawn to dark, cluttered areas, making basements and garages prime locations to find droppings, particularly near storage boxes and along walls where they tend to run. In attics and crawl spaces, droppings may be found near insulation, around nesting materials, and near entry points where the mice have chewed their way in. Utility rooms, including spaces near water heaters, furnaces, and pipes, can also harbor mouse droppings, as these areas often provide warmth and shelter. The more widespread the droppings, the more severe the infestation is likely to be. Mouse Droppings vs. Other Pests Not all droppings found in your home belong to mice, so it's important to distinguish them from other common pest droppings. Rat droppings are significantly larger, measuring around 1/2 inch, and have blunt ends rather than the pointed shape of mouse droppings. Cockroach droppings, on the other hand, are much smaller and resemble coffee grounds or black pepper specks. Because they can often be mistaken for dirt or dust, careful inspection is necessary to identify them correctly. Squirrel droppings, another potential source of confusion, are rounder, larger than mouse droppings, and often found outdoors or in attics. Being able to differentiate between various types of pest droppings can help determine the best course of action for pest control. Health Risks of Mouse Poop Mouse droppings are more than just an unpleasant sight; they can pose health risks to you and your family in severe infestations. Mice are known carriers of bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can be transmitted through their feces. Most homes in Ohio at one point or another have had mice inside whether in living areas or attics. Being aware and taking precaution if mice are in your home is important to not allow an infestation to become severe. Severe infestations can lead to hantavirus, which is a respiratory illness contracted by inhaling infected rodent fecal matter. Although rodent fecal poses a threat of hantavirus, the likelihood of contracting this is low as, according to the CDC there are only about 35 cases reported every year in the U.S. In addition, mouse droppings can carry salmonella, which can contaminate food surfaces. Ensuring that countertops and areas where food and tableware are stored are cleaned and sanitized after rodent fecal is found is important to reducing the spread of rodent borne illness to humans. Given these risks, proper handling and disposal of mouse droppings are critical to maintaining a healthy home environment. What to Do If You Find Mouse Droppings Discovering mouse droppings in your Columbus home requires immediate attention to prevent the infestation from proliferating. Before cleaning up droppings, always wear protective gear such as gloves and a mask to avoid direct exposure. It is recommended to ventilate the area by opening windows to improve airflow and reduce airborne particles. To properly clean up mouse droppings, spray them with a disinfectant or a mixture of bleach and water before wiping them up. Never sweep or vacuum droppings, as this can cause harmful particles to become airborne. After cleaning, dispose of the droppings in a sealed plastic bag and immediately wash your hands thoroughly. Finding mouse droppings in your home is a sign of an active infestation requiring professional pest control services may to fully resolve the issue. Get Expert Mouse Control in Columbus, Ohio Finding mouse droppings in your home is a strong indication that rodents have taken up residence in your space. While DIY cleanup can help address the immediate problem, a professional pest control service can provide a comprehensive solution to eliminate the infestation and prevent future occurrences. At Restoration Pest Management, we specialize in effective rodent control in Columbus, Ohio. Our expert team will conduct a thorough inspection and implement customized treatment plans to eliminate mice from your home. Don't let a mouse problem compromise your family's health and safety. Contact us today for a free inspection and let us help you take back control of your home with reliable and effective pest management solutions.

Termite infestations may not be something most people think about until they see swarming termites in their homes during late spring or early summer. Termite swarming can happen in both homes and businesses, and even though no one wants them around, these swarms can provide useful information. Termites are attracted to moist wood Termites are a very beneficial part of the eco system in that they decompose dead plant matter, replenish soil nutrients and support plant growth. This is great for the environment and the cycle of life but not so good when they get into your home. Termites are attracted to your home when it presents conducive conditions in which termites thrive in, moist wood. Termite infestations are often found when homeowners are replacing their windows or doors. Over time, sealants and caulk break down allowing moisture to get into the framing creating a termite friendly environment. Swarms are signals of a larger infestation A termite swarm signals the presence of a termite colony in a home. Since termites typically work unseen, swarming is a clear and noticeable sign of an infestation, unlike other less obvious signs that might go unnoticed for years, leading to increased damage. Termite swarmers, known as alates, are the reproductive members of a colony. Unlike worker termites that cause damage, alates’ purpose is to reproduce and create new colonies. They do not bite, sting, or eat wood. Before a swarm, alates prepare a launch site, then they fly briefly to mate and find a new home, often resulting in low survival rates since many die quickly from dehydration, especially if they swarm indoors with no access to soil. Professional chemicals are essential for colony elimination When faced with a swarm, many consumers instinctively reach for an aerosol spray, which can complicate cleanup and give a false sense of security. Most over the counter pest control products are repellent based products which do kill on contact but then pushes the bulk of the colony away from the area sprayed into untreated areas of the home further spreading the infestation. Allowing a Pest Management Professional to treat with products designed for long term eradication of a termite colony will significantly decrease cost of eliminating the colony and protect your home long term. The goal is not to just kill the insects that are seen, but also the whole colony that are in unseen areas of the home and ground. What can I do if I see termite swarm activity? Calling a Pest Management Professional like Restoration Pest Management for an inspection as soon as possible will help in identifying the insects and providing proper treatment. Both Termites and Carpenter Ants swarm in a very similar way, however treatment for each can be quite different. If you start seeing flying insects in Spring-Summer it is important to get a clear close up picture of one of the insects before the swarm moves on. Do not spray swarmers with any over-the-counter type pesticides. Termites and Ants both need to be treated with non-repellent chemicals that allow the insects to track the chemical throughout the colony wiping out the entirety of the colony, not only killing the insects that are seen on the surface. Vacuuming up swarmers and not allowing them to mate and start a new colony is helpful in not enabling the colony to proliferate. However, this does not solve the issue of the current colony that can be hiding unseen in the walls of your home. Looking for the best way to get rid of termites in Columbus, Ohio? Restoration Pest Management offers customized treatments to keep termites out of your home for good. Our experienced team uses reliable and efficient methods to control termite colonies around your home. Contact us today for a consultation and take the first step toward protecting your home from termites.

Ants are some of the most persistent and common household pests , often appearing in kitchens, bathrooms, and even bedrooms. If you've ever wondered why ants suddenly invade your home, the answer lies in their search for food, water, and shelter. Understanding the reasons behind ant infestations can help you take the right steps to prevent them. If you're dealing with an ant infestation in Columbus, Ohio, Restoration Pest Management offers expert pest control solutions to keep your home ant-free year-round. Food Sources Attract Ants Ants are constantly foraging for food, and even the tiniest crumbs or spills can attract them. Sugary foods, proteins, and greasy residues are particularly appealing to these pests. If food is left out, trash is not sealed properly, or countertops are not wiped down regularly, ants will detect these food sources and create trails leading straight to them. Additionally, pet food left in bowls or uncleaned spills from beverages can further entice ants into your home. They have an incredible sense of smell and can detect food sources from a significant distance, making it crucial to maintain cleanliness in your kitchen and dining areas. Water is Essential for Ant Survival Just like any living creature, ants need water to survive. Leaky pipes, dripping faucets, or condensation around sinks and tubs can provide the moisture they need. This is why you may often find ants in bathrooms or kitchens, especially during dry weather when natural water sources outside are scarce. Some ant species, like Odorous House ants and Carpenter Ants are particularly drawn to moisture-rich environments and can establish colonies near water sources. Even small amounts of standing water, such as in potted plant trays or pet water dishes, can attract ants. By eliminating excess moisture, you can reduce the chances of infestation. Seeking Shelter from the Elements Ants will often enter homes seeking refuge from extreme weather conditions. Heavy rain can flood their nests, while hot and dry conditions can drive them indoors in search of a more stable environment. Cracks in walls, gaps around windows and doors, and unsealed utility openings provide easy entry points for ants looking for shelter. In colder months, some ants may even seek warmth inside walls or under flooring. Understanding seasonal patterns can help homeowners anticipate and prevent infestations before they occur. Scent Trails Lead the Way Once an ant discovers a reliable food or water source in your home, it will leave behind a pheromone trail that signals other ants to follow. This is why a few ants can quickly turn into a full-blown infestation. The more accessible the resources, the more ants will continue to return. These pheromone trails are highly effective and can persist even after the initial food source is removed. It is important to seek professional ant treatment to ensure proper non repellent chemicals are used to allow the ants to go through the chemical and track it back to the colony. Nearby Colonies and Nesting Sites If you notice a frequent ant presence in your home, there may be a colony nesting nearby. Some species, like Carpenter Ants, may even establish nests inside your walls, wooden furniture, or insulation. These ants can cause structural damage over time, making early detection and intervention crucial. Outdoor colonies in soil, under logs, or in mulch can also contribute to indoor infestations, as worker ants search for resources. Regularly inspecting both indoor and outdoor spaces can help you identify potential problem areas before they escalate. How to Prevent Ants from Invading Your Home To keep ants from making themselves at home, consider these preventive measures : ● Keep food sealed and stored properly – Avoid leaving food out and wipe up crumbs and spills immediately. Store dry goods in airtight containers and regularly clean pantry shelves. ● Clean up regularly – Maintain a clean kitchen and take out the trash frequently. Sweep floors and vacuum carpets to remove food particles that might attract ants. ● Eliminate water sources – Fix leaks, remove standing water, and ensure proper ventilation to reduce moisture. Pay special attention to areas under sinks, around appliances, and near air conditioning units. ● Seal entry points – Use caulk to seal cracks, install door sweeps, and repair damaged screens. Checking window frames, utility pipe entry points, and foundation gaps can further help in preventing access. ● Address outdoor nests – Regularly inspect your home’s perimeter and remove potential nesting sites. Keep shrubs and plants trimmed away from the house, as branches can serve as bridges for ants to enter. Looking for the best way to get rid of ants in Columbus, Ohio? Restoration Pest Management offers customized treatments to keep ants out of your home for good. Our experienced team uses reliable and efficient methods to keep your home ant-free year-round. Contact us today for a consultation and take the first step toward a pest-free home!

Mice and other rodents are a frustrating and persistent problem for homeowners, especially during cooler months when pests seek the warmth and safety of indoor spaces. These small intruders can cause damage to your property, contaminate food, and spread disease. Fortunately, with the right preventative measures, you can get rid of mice and keep them away. Try these proven tips for eliminating mice from your home. Seal Entry Points One of the most effective ways to prevent mice is by sealing potential entry points around your home. Mice can squeeze through holes as small as a dime, so thorough inspection is key. Our first priority is to look for cracks in the foundation, gaps around utility pipes, and openings near windows and vents. Once identified, seal these areas by packing them with a durable material like steel wool, caulk, or hardware cloth. Older homes, which are more likely to have wear-and-tear issues, often require extra attention to detail.  Rodents Using Your Landscaping Mice are resourceful and often use outdoor elements as stepping-stones into your home. Keep bushes and vegetation trimmed back from your home’s foundation to reduce potential hiding spots. Firewood, debris, and compost piles should be stored at least 20 feet from your house. Outdoor maintenance is especially critical for homes near wooded or rural areas where mice thrive. Dealing with a mouse infestation in Cardington, Centerburg , or Chesterville? Contact Restoration Pest Management today for a fast and effective solution to your rodent problem in the Mt. Gilead area. Maintain a Clean Environment A clean and organized home is less attractive to mice. Store all food in airtight containers to eliminate easy access, and clean up crumbs and spills immediately, particularly in the kitchen and pantry. Trash should be stored in tightly sealed bins, and areas like basements, garages, and attics should be decluttered regularly to remove potential nesting spots. This is particularly important if you have outdoor storage spaces or sheds where mice are known to hide. Set Traps as a Deterrent Traps are a practical tool for preventing and addressing minor mouse activity. Position snap traps, glue traps, or live traps in areas where you suspect activity, such as basements, crawl spaces, or along baseboards. Be strategic about trap placement, targeting areas where mice are likely to travel—just be sure to keep them out of reach of children and pets. Consider Professional Pest Management Professional pest control services are the best solution (and sometimes the only solution) for persistent infestations. Restoration Pest Management provides comprehensive solutions to help protect your home from rodents. For homeowners seeking an exterminator in the Mt. Gilead and Northern Columbus area, we ensure a safe and effective resolution that protects both your family and property. Protect Your Home Year-Round Preventing mice from entering your home requires vigilance and effort, but the benefits far outweigh the risks of dealing with an infestation. By sealing entry points, maintaining cleanliness, addressing outdoor hazards, and using traps strategically, you can create a mouse-proof environment. For long-term peace of mind, Restoration Pest Management is here to help with customized pest control solutions that meet your needs. Contact us today to learn more about our services and ensure your home stays rodent-free!

Rodent treatment Columbus Ohio is important as the winter season coming. It is important to make sure that your home is secured from little intruders. Rodents are looking for a place to make their home, that is warm and out of the winter elements. Getting your home ready for winter while considering preventive rodent treatment Columbus Ohio before winter can help keep out those unwanted pests and rodents.

“How to get rid of ants?” This is a lingering question in the mind of homeowners every spring. Right around April, when the weather starts to warm up in Columbus, Ohio, ants make their appearance in homes across the state. They seem like harmless creatures, but they can actually do a vast amount of damage to homes and structures. Ants (“Lasius neoniger), are one of the most irritating pests you can find in your home. Ants in Ohio are not known for their stings or bites like they are in the southern United States, however, they can cause major damage to homes and structures. There are several different types of ants in Ohio and it is important to properly identify which type of ant you have as each species will need a different method to eliminate. Different types of ants are attracted to different types of food sources. Some ants like fats and oils, others like protein and still others only feed on sugar. Properly identifying ants in Columbus, Ohio will determine what treatment is used in eradicating the infestation. It is important to note that ant treatments are not a one and done deal most of the time. Ant colonies vary in size and there could be more than one colony on your property. Ants also leave pheromone trails that a new colony can find the following year and the infestation will start over again. Once the initial colony has been eradicated it is important to continue preventive pest control to ensure other colonies do not re-infest. Types of Treatments Many people when thinking about the question, “How to get rid of ants?,” think that ants are something that can be controlled with over the counter pesticides. It is true that there are a lot of chemicals out there that can kill on contact and put a repellent barrier throughout your home. However, if a repellent is placed in the home before the colony is eradicated this can lead to the colony moving somewhere else in the home where the chemical has not been applied. Also, chemicals that kill on contact and instantaneously do not give the ability for the ants to track it back to the colony. Ants are very social insects in that they feed each other, clean each other and take care of one another. Using a chemical that that kills slowly and can be tracked back to the colony ensures a broader and more thorough treatment. Types of Ants Although there are many types of ants in Columbus, Ohio, the ants we encounter the most are Carpenter Ants, Odorous House Ants and Little Black Ants. Carpenter Ants (Camponotus spp.) are the most destructive species of ants to a structure as they need moist wood to create colonies to produce offspring. Carpenter ants prefer an environment that is moist and has a constant water source. Often you will find them in kitchens, bathrooms, window sills and on the sill plate of the foundation. They feed on proteins and sugars. Carpenter ants vary in size depending on their sex and the role they play within the colony. There are also ant swarmers that appear in early spring. These swarmers are looking for suitable environments to start a new colony. Many people mistake carpenter ant swarmers for termites as they can look similar. It is always a good idea to have a professional come and diagnose the insect to be sure the proper treatment is completed. Odorous House Ants (“Paratrechina”) are easy to identify as they have an interesting odor and they come in droves. When these ants are smashed between your fingers they let off a “rotten coconut” smell. They are commonly found in kitchen areas and other areas where food is kept or stored. Although these ants do not cause a lot of structural damage they are annoying when you find them in your cupboards. They are looking for sweets and other food to forage. Black Ants (“Monomorium minimum”) are a common house ant that is looking for a suitable nesting environment consisting of a water source and food source. These ants are not exclusive on what they will eat. They feed on anything inclusive of sugar, proteins, fats and oils. Understanding the species, behavior and life cycles of ants is imperative in providing a comprehensive treatment in getting rid of this pest. At Restoration Pest Management our method of eliminating ants is: Using the proper bait for the ant species with the proper type of food source that then can be fed to subsequent ants back at the colony. Using a tracking chemical that thy ants will pick up and then transfer externally to other colony members, Using a sterilizing agent that will prevent the ants from being able to reproduce. Once the main issue has been taken care of and there are no more ants inside the structure, a preventive residual exterior chemical will be used to keep the ants out of the home year after year. To ensure your home continues to be “ant free” we recommend quarterly or semi-monthly treatments to keep the pests out of your home. Call us today! If you are experiencing ants in Columbus, Ohio and have the lingering question in your mind, “How to get rid of ants?” give us a call today! 614-204-8630 Click to Schedule Service For more information about ants in Ohio visit The Ohio State University Extension

Are Those Termites Flying Around Your Property? As the most destructive type of insect found in Columbus and across Ohio, termites cause great concern for many residential and commercial property owners. The most common and harmful types of termites are Subterranean. They build their colonies underground near their preferred food sources -- trees and various kinds of wooden structures, including homes and commercial buildings. Living and working underground, Subterranean Termites are not customarily seen above ground, even when they have established large colonies. However, they are usually on the search for new food sources and suitable places to form new colonies, and during “swarm season,” they will fly around above ground looking for areas for expansion. What And When Is The Termite Swarm Season? The swarm season typically runs from late February or early March through May. When the weather starts to warm up, and the soil is moist, termites will leave their established colonies to search for locations for new colonies. There are specialized termites from a mature colony that are winged. Visible flying termites during swarm season may be venturing out from a colony near your property, or they could be coming from one that already has access to your buildings. Even though the swarming termites are visible, they are only a part of the functioning colony. Many worker termites remain underground to feed and develop the existing colony at all times. Swarmer termites, or alates , take to the air in search of a favorable location for a new colony, and they mate while swarming. After mating, they lose their wings and begin looking for moist soil that is loose enough to burrow into. Without moist soil, the termites will soon dry out and die above ground. Once a group of termites has dug deep enough to begin a new colony, a female will transform into a queen for the new colony and start laying eggs in high volume, as many as 20,000 in a day. It may take up to five years for the new colony to mature into a fully developed termite home, but as long as wood is available, the they are likely to make the space a permanent home. Are Those Termites Or Ants? Some species of ants have wings and also swarm in ways similar to termite swarming behavior. While ants are often pests in and around all types of buildings, for the most part, they do not cause the same kind of structural damage as termites. Carpenter Ants will tunnel through wood, but they do not eat wood as termites do. Ants are also likely to be seen flying around at times of the year outside of the narrow termite swarm season. Even though termites are usually only visible above ground during their swarm season, they are always hard at work underground feeding on structural wood and keeping their existing colonies growing. Flying ants and termites both have four wings, although the shapes are noticeably different. Termites have four equally sized wings, while ants will have larger wings upfront with a smaller rear pair. Termites have straight antennae, and those of ants are angled more sharply. Ant wings are usually about the same size as their bodies, while termite wings extend out about twice as long as their main body. Ants have narrow waists and termites have more cylinder-shaped bodies. Whether you are experiencing swarming termites or flying ants, the potential for damage from infestation is significant. If the insects flying around your property are present during termite swarm season and appear to be termites rather than ants, you should have your property and the flying insects inspected immediately. Depending on the results of a professional inspection. Whether termites are swarming from existing colonies or are looking to set up new living quarters near your buildings, treatment plans can differ significantly. As always, the key to effective control and protecting your building is eliminating any existing colonization and excluding any termites from using your wooden structures as a food source in the future. Rely on Restoration Pest Management for fast and accurate species identification and a comprehensive recommendation for controlling and excluding whatever kinds of bugs you might be having trouble with. We are the leading pest control provider for Columbus, and our customer service is second to none. Contact us today for further information and assistance with insects spotted during the swarm season.

Of the approximately 2,000 known termite species, the one thing they have in common is a love for wood. They are a serious threat to home and business owners, causing over $5 billion in property damage annually; damage which is generally not covered by a homeowner's insurance. While standard homeowners' policies cover damages and perils that are sudden or accidental, infestations are considered to be caused by a lack of preventative maintenance and, as such, is the homeowner's responsibility. Columbus ranked #42 in the most termite-infested cities in the U.S. Common Termite Species Eastern Subterranean Termites By far the most widespread and destructive species in the U.S., they live in underground colonies building mud tubes for safe, sheltered passage. These colonies can expand to live above ground when provided moisture, such as a blocked rain gutter or a leaky pipe. They're preferred foods are softwood and newspapers. Formosan Termites Also widespread across the U.S. are the invasive Formosan Termites. Not native to North America, Formosans were likely imported from China or Japan. Larger than other species, they can create massive underground colonies of thousands, devour and destroy large volumes of wood at a rapid rate. Drywood Termites Unlike their subterranean cousins, Drywood Termites do not need to be near the soil, nor do they create mud tunnels. Preferring to eat wood with a moisture content below 12%, they establish their nests in roofing materials, wooden support beams, furniture, and hardwood floors. While most prevalent in the southwestern region of the U.S. and Mexico, Drywood Termites can be transported to all corners of the United States via infested furniture and lumber. Dampwood Termites Opposite of Drywood species, Dampwood Termites prefer wet, decaying wood like tree stumps or old woodpiles. While not as interested in the drier wood that makes up most homes and buildings, your utility poles, fences, and untreated outbuildings all ring the dinner bell. Signs of a Termite Infestation : Discolored drywall Small, pinholes in drywall Squeaky floorboards Crumbling, damaged wood molding Maze-like damage patterns in furniture or floorboards. Mud tubes climbing the foundation of your buildings Swarms of flying termite on your property or termite wings discarded after swarms. Tips for Avoiding Termites Keep Wood Away From Buildings Woodpiles stacked against the side of your house keeps it in easy reach during chilly winter months, but it also provides an easy source of food adjacent to warm shelter. The same goes for wood-based products stored in attics or crawlspaces. To minimize risk, stack or store all wood-based products several yards from buildings, and keep the wood elevated off the ground. Keep Foundations Dry Like any other living creature, termites need moisture to survive. Improper drainage creates another ideal living condition for these wood munchers. Maintain your downspouts so that they are diverting rainwater away from your home's foundation. Exterior faucets and air-conditioning drip can also cause pooling water, as can gutters clogged with leaf debris, which collects moisture as it decays. All of these issues can create an ideal environment for termite infestations. Clear Foundations of Mulch Wood mulch is a simple, inexpensive way to increase the aesthetic value of your home. Unfortunately, it can also create the perfect ideal living conditions for termite activity. It's best to keep mulch raked away from foundations by at least six inches and to make sure that it never comes in contact with siding, or the framing of doors and windows. Keep Overhanging Tree Limbs and Bushes Trimmed Tree branches above your roof, or overgrown bushes against the sides of buildings, create sheltered areas, allows for moisture build-up, and give pests, including termites, an easy path into your home. They can also cause blockages and drainage issues in gutters, which becomes an ideal habitat for an aerial infestation. Have Professionals Inspect and Treat Your Home While all of the above steps can make homes and buildings less appealing to termites, the best way to deal with these voracious pests is to hire a trained professional to do an annual inspection. Included is a search for infestations, as well as find and seal any hidden openings that could allow termites to enter. These infestations can go unnoticed for years, and it requires a trained and experienced eye to spot the signs and identify what species are feasting on your property and inside your home. Treating your home or new property for termites, as a preventive measure, is a wise investment. Contact Restoration Pest Management today and take your property off the lunch menu!