Termites are common household pests that can cause significant damage to a home if left unaddressed. While these insects are small, they can lead to big problems if they are ignored and should therefore be taken seriously. By taking a proactive approach to termite prevention and hiring a pest control company, you can help protect your home from the costly and time-consuming damage that termites can cause. Continue reading to learn more about why termites are a major issue, strategies for preventing termites from entering your living space, and how to manage an infestation if you have one.

What Are Termites?

Termites are small, wood-eating insects that feed off the cellulose found in decaying wood. While several species of termites can cause damage to homes, subterranean termites are the most destructive species of termite found in the United States. This particular species can cause significant damage to wooden structures. Unlike other wood-destroying insects, such as carpenter ants, termites don't eat the wood on the surface. Instead, they eat the wood on the inside. As a result, damage caused by termites is often not visible on the surface, making it important to regularly have the exterior of your home inspected for signs of a termite infestation.

What Are the Signs of a Termite Infestation?

While termites don't leave obvious signs of their presence until significant damage has been done, there are a few indicators of a potential termite infestation. One of the earliest signs of termites is mud tubes, which are the pheromone-laden tunnels that termites use to travel between their colony and their food source.

Another sign of a termite infestation is unexplained wood damage, which can include crumbling wood, sawdust-like particles in wooden structures, or a foul odor coming from them. Sometimes this damage takes the form of stuck windows or doors. These openings are often targeted by termites because they are exposed to the elements, making them easy to access. Once termites begin consuming the wood of a frame, it affects how well the window or door will fit, which can cause it to become jammed in place. The presence of unexplained wood damage or the sudden inability to close windows or doors should prompt you to call your local pest control service immediately.

Finally, if you notice damaged paint or wallpaper, this could be another indicator of termite troubles. Sometimes termites become active below the surface of a wall without causing obvious structural damage, making them difficult to detect until a repair or renovation disturbs them. If you notice bubbling paint, damaged wallpaper, or many tiny pinholes, these could be the result of termites.

How Does an Exterminator Inspect My Home for Termites?

To effectively inspect your home for termites, it's always recommended that you bring in a professional pest control company. While some indicators of pests might be obvious to amateurs, a professional will be able to detect even the subtlest hints of termite presence. To get started, they'll look for areas where the soil around your home is continually moist. Areas of the property that are more likely to stay damp, such as the base of trees and shrubs and the soil around a swimming pool, often serve as the feeding ground for termites.

How Often Should I Schedule an Inspection?

It's recommended that all homeowners schedule a termite inspection at least once annually. However, older houses are at a higher risk than newer builds, meaning those who are living in historic homes might want an inspection multiple times a year. You can get this service any time of year, but it's especially important to have an inspection during the spring or summer months when termites are most actively feeding.

How Can I Protect My Home From Termites?

In addition to scheduling routine visits from a professional for inspections, there are a few other steps you can take to protect your home from an infestation. As termites feed off the cellulose in decaying wood, it's important to avoid creating a moist environment around your home. One way to avoid creating this environment is by repairing any damage to wooden structures as soon as possible. If you notice that the soil around your home is excessively moist, you can improve the drainage by adding gravel or sand to the soil. Additionally, you can use a landscaping fabric to prevent water from reaching the soil near your home. Here's more information about how you can protect your home from termites.

Seal Cracks and Crevices

While termites can attack and feed on wooden surfaces of any size, they're significantly less likely to infest well-sealed areas. Thus, by sealing off any areas where termites could potentially gain entry, you can help protect your home against a termite infestation. Areas you should be especially careful to seal include wooden doors and frames, window frames, wooden steps, areas behind fireplaces and stoves, and the wooden boundary between your home and a deck or patio. The best way to seal these areas is to use silicone caulk or spray foam insulation.

Eliminate Sources of Moisture

Since termites feed off the cellulose found in decaying wood, areas of high moisture, such as standing puddles and other sources of standing water, are particularly attractive to these destructive insects. Areas that are more likely to accumulate moisture include the bases of trees, the soil around a swimming pool, the roof, the basement, and the soil surrounding a sprinkler system. To protect your home from termites, fix any leaks and repair any broken sprinkler systems. Regularly check for signs of standing water around your property, and take the necessary steps to eliminate any problematic areas.

Keep Firewood Away from Your Home

Firewood is often a significant source of moisture because it can remain wet for long periods, which can attract and sustain termites. Thus, to protect your home against termites, it's important to keep firewood away from the wooden structure of your home. You can place the firewood in a dry area, such as a detached garage, to reduce the risk it poses to the wooden structure of your home. You can also use an uncovered patio or deck.

Why Should I Hire a Professional Pest Control Company?

If you have noticed signs of termite activity, or if your home has sustained any visible damage, contact a pest control company immediately. A professional pest control company can inspect your home for signs of infestation and provide the necessary extermination services to promptly eliminate termites from your home. Though hiring a pest control company may seem costly, it's far less expensive than the cost of repairing a home with extensive termite damage. According to Consumer Affairs, a homeowner with termites spends an average of $3,000 repairing the damage. You can find a reputable pest control contractor in your area by checking online reviews or referrals from friends and family.

By following these pest control tips, you can help protect your home against a termite infestation. If you suspect that your home is already infested with termites or you want to schedule an inspection, contact our team at Mares Exterminating right away. In addition to tackling termite issues, we can also take care of ants, cockroaches, bed bugs, mosquitoes, and rodents. If you also need assistance with controlling the moisture in your home, we can also help you out with our services. We're a pest control company with a team of expert exterminators who can rid your home of this problem. Reach out to us today to get started!