If you are a homeowner, then you know that termites can be a huge problem. These tiny creatures can do a lot of damage to your home, and they can often go undetected until it is too late. That is why it is important to have a regular termite inspection done on your home. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of regular termite inspections, and we will also provide some tips on how to protect your home from these pests!
Signs of a Termite Infestation
Unfortunately, termite infestations can be active for an extended period before we ever know they are present. It is important to be mindful of some common signs associated with termite activity in order to catch an infestation early. These include:
1. Mud Tubes
Mud tubes, also known as shelter tubes, can be a telltale sign of termites. Termites use these mud tunnels to protect themselves from the elements and predators while they travel between the dirt and the wood, which they feed on. Mud tubes may be found along walls or other wooden surfaces, often made of mud and bits of wood, leaves, and grass. They appear like small irregular clay pipes that provide an ideal environment for termites to grow in numbers. It is important to remember that when mud tubes are noticeable, there is likely an existing problem with a mature termite infestation – requiring professional treatment to avoid further destruction.
2. Swarmers
Swarmers are an unmistakable sign of a termite infestation. These reproductive insects will typically appear in swarms during the late summer and early spring and appear to be drawn to light sources. Usually, swarmers will emerge from inside walls or from underneath floors. They can also appear near doorways or windowsills. It is important to remember that only mature termite colonies release swarmers; therefore, if you spot these insects in your area, it is strongly suggested to hire a professional for an inspection as soon as possible. The earlier the problem is addressed, the less costly and extensive the regulations will ultimately be when it comes time for repairs.
3. Wing Sheddings
If you have noticed small piles of wings around the windowsills or door frames of your home, you may be dealing with a termite infestation. The wings appear as piles of fragile insect wings, appearing in clusters after the swarming season and may range in color from whitish-gray to a yellowy tint.
4. Termite Droppings
One of the tell-tale signs of an infestation is the presence of termite droppings, also known as “frass.” These small pellets are generally brown in color and resemble grainy sawdust – making them easy enough to spot with a keen eye.
5. Wood Damage
Wood damage is a serious concern for many homeowners, as it could be an indication of more extensive issues. One such issue is a termite infestation. Softening, warping, and hollow cavities in wood can all be indications of an underlying problem with your home’s structure caused by the pervasive presence of these dangerous insects. Recognizing the warning signs quickly can help you take timely action to protect your home from further damage due to termites. It’s very important to reach out to a pest control professional who specializes in detecting and eliminating termites at the first sign of trouble.
Issues Surrounding a Termite Infestation
Termites are small insects that can have a significant impact. They feed on wood and paper products, which can cause serious damage to both homes and businesses. Left unchecked, termite infestations can weaken building foundations and structurally compromise walls, floors, and even furniture. If a business or homeowner seeks to restore their property to its original condition, the costs involved can be significant due to costly repairs and possible replacements of affected components.
Steps You Can Take to Prevent a Termite Infestation
Protecting your home and minimizing the risk of a termite infestation is important. There are a few steps you can take to help keep termites out of your home. Remember the following tips and tricks:
1. Keep the Area Around Your Home Clean
Plants, lumber and mulch provide an environment where termites thrive, providing access to your house. Soil, mulch, wood items, etc., should be kept at least 4-6 inches away from your home’s siding and foundation. There are plenty of cellulose-free alternatives that are safe!
2. Eliminate Excess Moisture
Subterranean termites need a constant source of moisture to survive. Ensure that storm drains empty away from your foundation, and repair leaky pipes or faucets around the house immediately.
3. Seal Cracks and Openings
Sealing up cracks and crevices is one of the most effective means of prevention. Plugging up any potential entrance points for termites will make it much harder for them to access living areas in your home and prevents an unwelcome pest population from settling in.
Is DYI Termite Extermination a Good Idea?
In today’s digital age, the Internet is the first place many people take concerns about their homes. And with good reason, there are many do-it-yourself instructions on topics ranging from building a deck to remodeling a bathroom. Type “how to get rid of termites” and “do-it-yourself termite control” into a search engine, and you’ll get more than a million results, but that doesn’t mean you should take termite control into your own hands.
There are three different species of termites that can invade U.S. homes, and they won’t all respond to the same treatment. A trained professional will know which species of termites are present in your area, as well as what signs to look for when inspecting your home for activity and where to look for them. Because of that, the professional will then know which treatment to use to effectively get rid of the termites. You may think Do-It-Yourself remedies can save you money which is one of the top reasons people like to explore them. But if you want to ensure that you eliminate termites completely, it is important to enlist the help of a trained exterminator. The damage that could be taking place in your home while you try to treat the problem yourself could cost you thousands of dollars to repair, not to mention the time and money you’ll be out from trying different DIY methods. In the long run, professional termite control could save you a lot of money and headaches.
Your Local Pest Control Company
Anteater Exterminating offers a 5-year guarantee with our most trusted termite treatments. Our comprehensive termite treatment guarantee gives you the highest level of protection against future risks. We are confident that our treatment will provide you with the security you need to ensure all potential termite problems are taken care of. With our extensive service and industry-leading guarantees, Anteater Exterminating is the perfect partner for your pest control needs.
Other pest control services include:
- Rodent Control Services
- Bee Removal Services
- Ant Control Services
- Bed Bug Treatments (Check out our blog post on bed bugs!)
- And much more!
Whatever the situation is, you can rest easy knowing that our expert technicians will handle everything with precision and professionalism. Call us today to schedule an inspection!