Spring is almost here. Wood boring insects are about to reveal themselves. Termites and carpenter ants feed on dead wood. They accomplish this invisibly. Once termites swarm, they've already done some damage. By swarming, they are actively trying to form another colony. If you've ever experienced a termite swarm, you know what I'm talking about. Clouds of discarded wings fill the room, as the unsuccessful explorers drop to the ground.
Most of the damage that termites cause cannot be seen until it's too late. They quietly tunnel from the ground and eat their way through the inner sills of your house. Left undetected for a long period of time, they can compromise the structural integrity of the house. Pretty impressive for creatures barely 1 centimeter in length!
Check your sill for damage by poking it with a sharp nail or poker of some sort. A compromised sill will allow the poker to stick right into the wood. Not good. A solid sill will withstand any tapping. If you notice a large area of damage, consult a licensed, professional contractor to replace it. Follow that up with a visit from a reputable pest control company.
How do you prevent termites and carpenter ants from eating you out of house and home? If you have garden beds edged in wood, remove them. If your deck was made from untreated lumber, replace it. Keep bushes and trees away from the house. Any damp or dead wood is a veritable banquet for these buggers. These unwanted guests need to go eat elsewhere.