Termite infestation is one of the biggest pest problems in America. If you own a house, though, you might wonder how you can determine if you're dealing with termites or not.

Sawdust

Notably, the presence of sawdust doesn't presuppose that you're looking at a termite problem. However, if you or someone in your house didn't make the sawdust, then something else did. Even if the problem doesn't prove to be termites, there's a high probability that the sawdust could come from the activities of mice, bees, or ants. All kinds of creatures like to bore into wood, so your efforts won't be wasted looking for sawdust.

Birds

Nothing makes a quick meal for a bird like a bug, and termites are easy pickings for many avian species. Woodpeckers are happy to take in a meal of termites. Chickens also like them, so folks who raise them should keep an eye out for birds that are interested in logs on their properties. Many waterfowl also like termites. If birds are interested in your home's wood, you should be interested in finding out what they're excited about.

Hollow Areas in Wood

Termites will hollow out wood, and this tends to destroy the integrity of the materials. Use a small flathead screwdriver to poke around any holes you see. If they go deep or have compromised the wood, there's a good chance you're dealing with termites.

Visual Identification

If you have the chance to visually identify the bugs causing trouble on your property, take a photo of them and look closely at a few key features. In this case, you're trying to distinguish termites from carpenter ants. Most flying ant species have longer front wings than their hind ones, while termites have wings that are close to equal lengths.

Areas Outside the House on the Property

Your house probably isn't the only source of wood on your property. If you have a detached garage, its wooden structure might attract termites. Similarly, dying or dead trees can become jumping-off points for further infestations and a colony migrates. Also, firewood piles and stacks of lumber can serve the same role. Virtually anything wooden, even if it's a small shed, is going to have some appeal to a termite.

The upside is that these piles and structures are often easier places for investigations. You can often pick through a firewood pile, for example, and see the evidence of an infestation.

For more information about termite control, contact a local pest control company.