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Termites are a common pest problem for homeowners in the United States, and Massachusetts is no exception. To be able to identify a termite infestation, you must first understand the behavior of these pests and what to look out for. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the characteristics of termite behavior and how to identify them so you can take the necessary steps to protect your property.

What are Termites?

Termites are small wood-eating insects that typically live in colonies underground or in moist areas above ground. They feed on dead plants and trees as well as wooden structures such as buildings, fences and furniture. Because they feed on wood, they can cause significant damage if left unchecked.

Characteristics of Termite Behavior

The most common type of termite in Massachusetts is the Eastern subterranean termite. These pests have three main characteristics that indicate their presence: swarming behavior, mud tubes and damaged wood structures. Swarming behavior occurs when mature termites fly away from their colony in search of new places to build nests – this usually happens during springtime or when there is an increase in humidity levels outside. Mud tubes are tunnels made out of soil and saliva that allow the termites to travel unseen between their colony and food sources; they act like highways for the termites, allowing them to move around quickly without being detected by predators or humans. Damaged wood structures are one of the most obvious signs of an infestation; if you notice any signs of wood damage (e.g., cracks, holes, sagging floors), it’s likely that you have an infestation on your hands.

Preventing a Termite Infestation

The best way to prevent a termite infestation is by keeping your home clean and free from potential food sources (i.e., dead plants/trees). Regularly check for any signs of damage on wooden structures around your home (e.g., decks, fences) and make sure there isn’t any standing water near your foundation as this can attract termites looking for moisture sources. Additionally, it’s important to keep an eye on any activity outside near your foundation/walls since this is where most colonies will set up shop due to its closeness to food sources (i.e., wood). If you do spot any activity outside near the foundation/walls–such as flying insects or mud tubes–contact a pest control specialist right away so they can investigate further and take the necessary steps to eliminate any potential infestations before they become too severe.

Identifying a termite infestation can be difficult but with knowledge about their behavior and regular inspections around your home, you should be able to spot any warning signs before extensive damage has been done. The key things to remember are swarming behavior, mud tubes and damaged wood structures – these are all good indicators that you may have an infestation on your hands so make sure you contact a pest control specialist immediately if you suspect something may be wrong! With regular maintenance and early detection methods such as these, you should have no trouble keeping these destructive pests away from your property!