Protect Your Home From Termites
Termites are more likely to destroy your home than a storm, fire or flood. According to the National Pest Management Association, these pests cost homeowners in the United States an estimated $5 billion every year. To prevent termites from damaging your home, you have to learn the signs of infestation and take action when termites first appear.
Hollow Wood
Termites eat continuously, but you will not see them munching on lumber. They like to hide in humid, dark environments, so termites eat wood from the inside out. Knock on the walls of your home and listen for a hollow sound. Bubbling or cracked paint could also be a sign that termites are munching on your walls.
Look for Mud Tubes
Many species of termites use tunnels to search for food sources. Look on top of hard surfaces like concrete or brick for mud tunnels. If there is just one tunnel present, it means that you have a termite infestation.
Remove Cracked Entry Points
For termites to destroy your home, they have to find a way inside. Go through your home and seal off any openings or holes. Termites will typically enter where the wood touches the ground, so check your porch steps, door frames and deck posts. Cracks in your foundation or mortar could provide an entry point for the termites. In addition, termites like moisture, so any spots of moisture near your gutters or structure will attract an infestation. Remove pooling water and repair door frames to prevent termites from taking up residence in your home.
Sawdust and Frass
Drywood termites typically make brown-colored droppings known as frass. If you have termites in your home, you may notice trails of sawdust or frass. Often, the frass will look like tiny pellets of wood or pepper.
Look for Discarded Wings
When a termite colony swarms, it can travel up to 900 feet away from the original nesting site. By the time they reach this distance, their wings will fall off. Check your light fixtures, windowsills and doors for discarded wings. While spotting termite wings does not necessarily mean that you have an infestation, it does mean that an infestation could happen in the near future.
If you notice any of these signs in your home, the best thing that you can do is get your home inspected by termite control experts. With proper treatment, you can prevent termites from causing thousands of dollars in damages. To find out how you can eliminate an infestation or prevent termites, contact Abarb Pest Services today.
