If you own a property in Connecticut, you should be familiar with termite 101: how to recognize an infestation, when to expect a swarm, and what you can do if termites are discovered in your home.

Having to deal with pests like termites can be frustrating at best and overwhelming at worst. However, leaving them to deal with later is a definite way to worsen the situation, so you should be ready to deal with termites at any time.

To make it easier for you,

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How to tell if you have a termite infestation

One of the reasons termites are so devastating is that they are so easy to ignore. When termites infest your home, these active insects can nibble away in your home for months before you discover anything is wrong.

Be aware of the unmistakable indicators of a termite infestation to reduce serious damage to your house. Keep an eye out for the following termite warning signs:

Mud tubes: New mud tubes are brown, whereas older tunnels are brittle and gray. The discovery of tunnels in your basement or foundations should serve as a warning to search for damaged wood nearby.

Hollow-sounding walls: Knock on your house's walls and other wood structures. If you hear an unusual hollow sound, you could have an infestation.

Discarded wings: Finding their discarded wings indoors, particularly near windows, signals a major problem.

Droppings: Termite droppings, also known as

frass

, resemble little heaps of salt and pepper or sawdust.

Peeling paint, swollen walls or floors, and little round holes in drywall are all signs of this pest infestation.

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Are termites a problem in Connecticut?

Yes, most Connecticut homes are vulnerable to termite infestations, as shown by the US Forest Service's map of

Termite Infestation Probability Zones

If you own a house in Connecticut, learning about termites is an unpleasant but unavoidable part of responsible homeownership. There is one main species you’ll have to worry about during certain times of the year, and another that might sneak into your home as well.

Subterranean termites

These are the real bad guys when it comes to termites. Before making their way inside your home through the foundation, subterranean termites build massive underground colonies, leaving only a trail of spindly mud tubes in their wake.

Subterranean termites are the most prevalent and most destructive termite species in Connecticut. Subterranean termites are generally most active between November and March.

Drywood termites

Although drywood termites don't swarm naturally in Connecticut, they can travel through wooden objects such as furniture and wine crates and form colonies in the state.

A professional termite inspector can assist in identifying species that are not native to the state.

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What to do if you have termites

If you find signs of a termite infestation, you can take a number of steps to get rid of them.

There are three options when it comes to professional solutions:

Bait stations: When it comes to traditional termite extermination, this is the least invasive method. Small plastic containers, left by the exterminator, will attract and destroy termites around your home. It takes months to see results, but it's less disruptive.

Liquid pesticide barrier: Subterranean termites can be exterminated by digging a trench around your home and establishing a chemical termiticide moat.

Fumigation: Fumigation is the only option for large infestations. To rid a building of termites, exterminators put a tent over it and pump in a gas that kills them all. For a minimum of 24 hours, you and your entire family, including pets, must vacate the premises.

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How to save money on homeowners insurance

Termite damage, unfortunately, is not covered by most homeowners insurance policies. The easiest way to defend oneself from an infestation is to be aware of the typical symptoms.

You can rely on your

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FAQs

Do most homes in Connecticut have termites?

Unfortunately, yes. It’s estimated that 1 in 3 homes in Connecticut is infested by termites annually. These infestations can go unnoticed for multiple years, making the problem even worse over time.

How often should you treat for termites in Connecticut?

The type of treatment employed determines the treatment intervals. Bait stations must be examined every few months, but liquid treatments can last five years before they need to be re-treated.

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