Termite infestation is one of the most devastating damages that can happen to your home. You need good pest control management to get rid of termites if you plan to save your home from falling apart as a result, their attack. In most cases, you do not see the infestation coming, as termites cannot survive in the open. You only notice them after the damage is done. Depending on the type of termite, they can attack both the dry and wet wood framing on your home, any wood stumps on your property, or create a colony right in the damp soil in the ground.
The damage caused by termites cost homeowners across the nation an estimated $5 billion dollars every year! Termites can live concealed in your home for years before you discover their existence. They only need a small space to gain access into to your home. They spread easily, and while there are some signs that indicate you have a termite problem, you need a pest inspection and a professional exterminator to properly identify and eliminate an infestation in your home.
How Termites Spread
Termites take a very short time to spread. Within a few days, they can multiply to what’s considered an infestation. Homeowners need to take every percaussion possible, and be sure to act quickly in order to protect their homes. Termites live in colonies, and they can spread to more than 100 feet in every direction from the epicenter. Termites are like all other living creatures – they forage for food in order to survive. Termites feed on cellulose found in wood and all wood products including books, furniture, drywall coverings, boxes and many more.
Termites spread in two main ways:
- . Winged reproductive termites go out from their colonies and mate with swarming winged males. The female then seeks out a suitable environment, lands and sheds her wings, and starts a brand new colony
- Other termites, whose sole duty is to hunt for food, forage for food in wooden structures and homes. They build tunnels made of mud in order to gain access to the wood. The tunnels run through foundations and walls and in turn, they create a new colony.
Signs To Indicate Termites In Your Home
- Damp walls or moist stains
- Trails of mud on the sides of your home
- Any tapping noises or chewing sounds behind the walls
- Dried mud accumulated on door joints and on the architraves of the windows
- Door and skirting boards blisters
- Floorboards that feel soft
- Constant power failures with some build-up of soil material surrounding the power points
- Flying black ants especially, during autumn and spring
IF YOU RECOGNIZE ANY OF THESE SIGNS, DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT A PEST CONTROL SERVICE!
What To Do If You Suspect You Have A Termite Problem
While there are DIY methods to address a termite problem, it really is best to use a qualified pest management expert. Eliminating termites is not easy to tackle on your own, and DIY methods may prove futile. In addition, any wrongful use of the pesticides could cause harm to your family and pets living in the home.
By using a pest control professional, you get the advantage of knowing for certain the correct kind of termite has been identified. By knowing the type of termite they’re dealing with, they can use best and most effective method to get rid of the infestation.
Always be cautions if you choose to tackle a termite infestation on your own, and make sure you’re using the right over the counter pesticides to get rid of the problem. Also know that when a colony is merely disturbed, they will go into hiding, making it extremely difficult get rid of them entirely. The best thing to do is stay calm, and immediately call a local pest control professional!
To prevent future infestations, it’s always recommended to get regular inspections at least once a year. Also, try to keep the area around your home free of wood debris and check regularly for leaks on the exterior of your home. Termites like damp and moist environments, so checking the perimeter of your home frequently is always a good thing.The more preventative action you take, the less likely you’ll need to hire a professional.
The Importance Of Getting Rid Of A Termite Infestation
A termite infestation can threaten the integrity of your home, and cause thousands of dollars in damage. In some cases, structures need completely demolished due to damage caused by a termite infestation. They eat through the wood, compromising the structure, and rendering the building unsafe. They pose a threat to pets, children and everyone else living in the home. Termites spare nothing – furniture, books and other treasured possessions are all fair game when they attack.
The cost of damage caused by termites can be crippling to homeowners, and insurance does not cover these costs. A termite infestation should not be ignored. Ignoring the issue in hopes they’ll move on is not going to happen! The longer you wait, the worse the infestation. The worse the infestation, the worse the damage.
Even if you see signs of a termite colony somewhere near your home or on a neighboring property – do not ignore it! That colony could already be nesting in the walls of your home as well. Call an expert to ensure the problem is addressed quickly, professionally, and thoroughly.
Don’t risk losing your home by waiting to call a professional pest control service!
