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Termites In Carpet: How To Avoid Major Damage To Your Home

Termites can be a major headache for homeowners, especially termites in carpet edging – a sign that the problem has gone too far! These tiny pests can cause major damage to your home without you even realizing it, but with a little knowledge and some preventative measures, you can avoid any major damage. Let’s explore how to keep these unwanted guests out of your carpet and away from your home.

While wood is the most common place to find termites, do you know that termites can also be found in carpets?

This can be a concerning discovery for any homeowner since termites are notorious for causing extensive damage and can easily hide in plain sight by staying within the carpet inside your home.

In order to protect your home, it is important to know how to identify termites in carpets and the best way to get rid of them.

Termites can be identified by their soft, pale bodies and their wings, which are about twice the size of their body.

If you find termites in your carpet, the best way to get rid of them is to call a professional. They will use a variety of methods to get rid of the infestation, including using heat or chemicals.

This guide will help you identify the termites in your carpets, the best ways to get rid of them, as well as how to prevent them from appearing again.

How Termites Can Get in Your Carpet

signs of termites under carpet

Most carpets these days are made of synthetic materials, such as 5th-generation nylon. 

While this type of carpet is more durable and less prone to termite damage, older carpets may still contain natural plant fibers that are attractive to termites.

Termites can get into your home’s carpets in a variety of ways. Some of the most common reasons are:

Trees and plants: Termites can be brought into your home from nearby trees or plants. When the wind carries them, they can land on your carpets and create an infestation.

Leaks: A small leak in a pipe or faucet can lead to termites gathering in your carpets. This is especially true if the leak creates a more permanent damp.

Poor ventilation: If your home has poor ventilation, moisture can accumulate in areas like carpets, which can attract termites.

Cracks and crevices: Termites can enter through cracks or crevices around doors and windows, leading them to your carpets.

If you do find evidence of activity, you should then take steps to get rid of the termites and prevent them from coming back. 

Is Your Carpet Infested?

There are a few tell tale signs of a termite infestation in carpets. 

One very common sign is tiny holes in the carpet, usually near the edges or seams. This indicates that the termites have been actively seeking food sources within the carpet. 

You may also observe frass, which is a combination of wood particles and insect droppings, on the carpet or along its edges.

If you suspect that your carpet is infested with termites, the next step is to check the subfloor, baseboards, floorboards, carpet pads, and tack strips for signs of infestation. 

Termites can easily travel through these materials and spread their destruction even further. If any of these items have evidence of termite activity, they should be removed from the house immediately.

How To Identify Termites in Carpet?

Swarmers are the most visible symptom of a termite infestation. In the spring, during the day, and after a recent rainstorm, subterranean termites will most likely swarm.

These reproductive termites, also known as alates, will leave their colony to mate and start a new colony. Swarming termites are a tell-tale indicator of a serious termite infestation. 

Aside from swarming, check for the indicators of termite activity listed below:

Termite dust: This is a powdery substance that may be present on or near the carpet. It is usually small and light in color. 

Hollow and crackling sound on the floor: As termites chew through wood or other materials, they create a distinctive hollow and crackling sound. 

Holes on the carpet: Termites will often leave small holes in carpets while they are searching for food. 

Termite wings: If you find discarded wings around your home, this could be an indication of termite activity.

These signs can help you identify whether you have an infestation in your carpets and take the necessary steps to get rid of them. 

Note: Keep in mind that if you find insects in your carpet and aren’t sure what they are, a pest control professional can help. Professionals can make full scrutiny to control the type of pests.

Be Sure To Inspect – Are They Ants or Termites?

Termite inspection

Termites, especially swarming termites, are frequently mistaken for ants. However, there are a few basic techniques to tell the two insects apart. Examine the insect’s wings, waist, and antennae for information to help identify termites from ants.

Termite wings are approximately comparable in size to those of other insects with two sets of wings. In general, ant wings are longer in the front and shorter in the back. 

Ants’ waists are likewise tight and pinched, but termites’ waists are broader and less defined. 

Finally, ants have elbowed antennae, whereas termites have straight antennae.

Did you know? 

Termites, like ants, live in colonies. The king and queen termites are lifelong partners, with the queen laying up to 2000 eggs each day.

Typical Hideouts:

Termites can be found in a variety of areas, including:

  • Behind baseboards
  • Under carpet edges
  • In and underneath upholstered furniture
  • Around door casings
  • In fabrics including carpets, rugs, slippers, blankets, and other soft materials.

How To Get Rid of Termites in Carpet?

Get Rid of Termites in Carpets

Once you’ve identified that your carpets have been infested with termites, the next step is to take action. The following methods can help eliminate termites from your home:

  • Vacuum the carpets: This can help remove any eggs, larvae, and adult termites that have made their way into your carpet fibers.
  • Use a steam cleaner: Steam cleaning is an effective way to eliminate pests from carpets by killing both adults and larvae.
  • Using baits: Baiting systems are one of the most effective and safest ways to get rid of termites in carpets. These baits are specially designed to attract termites and contain a slow-acting poison that kills them.
  • Dusting: Dusting with boric acid can be applied to areas where termites are present, including carpets and other fabrics.
  • Natural solutions: There are several natural solutions that you can use to get rid of termites in carpets, such as diatomaceous earth, orange oil, and borax.
  • Heat treatments: This method involves heating the affected area to temperatures that will kill the termites. It is very effective, but also risky as it can cause damage to your home and carpet.
  • Replacing infested materials: In some cases, it may be necessary to replace infested carpets or other items in order to get rid of termites completely.
  • Exterminators: Professional exterminators can use a variety of methods to get rid of termites in carpets, including chemical treatments and heat treatments.

It is important to remember that these methods should be used as a preventive measure, rather than a cure. If you suspect an infestation, it’s best to contact a professional for assistance. 

Caution – Before You Proceed…

  • Never apply pesticides near sparks, open fires, or electrical circuits, and always store off-season clothing in plastic bags or containers.
  • Do not use pesticides on tile or asphalt floors. Only use gentle spraying on parquet flooring.
  • Whether you have a linoleum floor, spray a small, inconspicuous area and let it dry to see if it produces discoloration.
  • When it comes to costly Oriental carpets, it’s best to leave the work to an experienced, certified pest control professional.

How to Prevent Termites in Carpet

The best way to get rid of termites in carpets is to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. Here are a few tips for preventing termite infestation:

  • Keep wood away from direct contact with the foundation walls and flooring.
  • Maintain good ventilation in crawl spaces, attics, and other areas where termites can hide.
  • Regularly inspect your carpets for signs of infestation and address any issues immediately.
  • Keep wood piles, compost bins, and other organic materials away from the house.
  • Do not leave standing water around the home or yard as this can attract termites.
  • Make sure that all windows and doors fit snugly in their frames.
  • Trim tree branches and shrubs away from the house to eliminate possible entry points for termites.
  • Repair any leaking pipes or faucets as standing water can attract termites.
  • Seal any cracks or crevices around the foundation walls, windows, and doors.
  • Reduce moisture levels inside the home by using dehumidifiers, fans, and air conditioning units.
  • Have a professional inspect your carpet for signs of termite infestation at least once a year.

With these tips in mind, you can help keep your carpets free from pests and ensure that they remain safe and healthy for years to come. 

Final Thoughts on Termites in Carpet

Termites in carpets can be a serious nuisance and cause costly damage to your property. It is important to take steps to prevent them from entering your home, as well as monitor for signs of infestation and treat the problem immediately. With prompt action, you can protect your carpets from termites and enjoy their beauty for years to come.