Tiny litter critters invade local residents' homes, establishing a permanent center of operations, where they plot to take over, not only the home, but the lives of the homeowners, causing them to become paranoid, lose sleep, vacate the premises, and spend large amounts of money to rid themselves of their unwanted house guests.
This sounds something like the highlights of what most people would consider a really bad sci-fi movie, but in termite control this is along the lines of what most pest control specialists would hear.
When it comes to pest control, termites are a savage and non-relenting culprit, and the rate at which they reproduce once they enter the comfort and safety of a home is unbelievable.
Because of this, it is important to know the signs and symptoms of these pesky critters and when to call and have an inspection by a pest control specialist.
One of the first signs of termite damage that is usually noticed is the termite's wings.
Like a snake sheds its skin several times a year, termites actually shed their wings.
After flying and reproducing, the termite's wings fall off.
These can then be found littering the inside or outside of buildings in which a termite colony is present.
It has often been said that these wings, after they have been shed and age slightly, strongly resemble fish scales.
Another sign that most homeowners would not consider termite damage is the appearance of water damage.
When termites enter a home, they eat out channels and tunnels to give themselves extra room, as well as an intricate roadway system to get from one spot to another.
This causes the walls and ceilings of a termite infested building to begin to sag, what many would consider a tell-tale sign of water damage.
The appearance of actual water damage can also be a sign.
As the wood is eaten away in some areas it could cause water to enter through holes/termite passages, a serious sign that could just be considered an effect of last month's storm, especially in the south where large storms are prevalent.
It seems that almost everyone has heard some kind of horror story about someone who ended up with an infestation of some kind.
It is important for every homeowner to know when they need to call and see if they are in need of termite control.
If not, the structure and integrity of the home could become seriously damaged, not to mention the peace of mind the homeowner once had when they were in their home.
While not all termite damage is reversible, it can be caught before it becomes out of hand if people know what to look for.