Termites Can Spell Ruin For a Home if Not Handled Properly

Out of the many types of pests that can infiltrate and take up residence in a home, very few are capable of causing as much damage as termites. These troublesome little insects love to eat through surfaces such as wood, flooring, and wallpaper, and oftentimes they do it right under the homeowner's nose. They are no laughing matter, though, as these pests are capable of doing significant damage to a home's structural integrity over time. The good news is, for a homeowner that is informed about what signs to look for and willing to take necessary measures to get rid of them, a termite infestation doesn't have to be a catastrophic problem. Covered here is more info on these pesky creatures, the telltale symptoms of their presence, and what can be done about them.

Signs of Termites

The signs of a termite infestation aren't necessarily going to be obvious. If they are regularly checked for, though, a proactive homeowner can catch them.

• Damaged Wood - Wood that has been eaten away by termites might not be visibly obvious, as they tend to devour it from the inside out. It's a good idea to try knocking on wood to see if it makes a hollow sound, which can indicate termite damage.
• Mud Tubes - Because certain kinds of termites need moisture, they will build little tubes of mud between their colony and any possible food source. They are often found around the home's foundation, but can be near the base of any wood structure.
• Discarded Wings - When termites swarm from their colony to a new home, they intentionally shed their wings, as they will no longer need them. Sometimes it's possible to spot these discarded wings around the house.

Types of Termites

Typically, there are two main types of termites that homeowners have to deal with. Each type is different, and comes with its own challenges.

• Subterranean Termites - Subterranean termites are the most common kind found in homes, and are the larger of the two types. They build big nests underground, and form tunnels from these nests to the homes that they target. Subterranean termites need moisture and darkness to thrive, which is why they build their colonies under the soil and rely on the mud tubes for transportation. They are capable of doing significant damage to homes, partially because they come in much greater numbers.

• Drywood Termites - Drywood termites don't need moisture or soil to survive, and instead they typically live in and around dry wood, hence the name. These termites usually live in smaller colonies, and within the house can oftentimes be found in attics, trim, or window/door frames, where they tend to attack individual sources of wood. These termites are most common in the southeast and southwest regions of the United States

Removing Termites

Termites can be difficult pests to eradicate, and in most cases it is wise to consult the help of professionals. For those that aren't experienced in pest removal, trying to handle it without an expert's help can be a big risk, since termites are capable of doing extreme amounts of damage. Usually, these professionals will employ methods such as fumigation or a liquid treatment. However, for homeowners that make the decision to tackle the problem on their own, there are a few steps they should take:

• Treating Soil with Insecticide - By purchasing a termite insecticide and applying it to the soil, or even the wood around an infested home, the invading insects can be killed off over time.

• Bait Traps - Special traps designed to bait termites can be strategically placed around the home, in places where termites are likely to congregate. These traps then coat the lured termite with an insecticide or growth regulator, which in turn will infect the rest of the colony and help take care of the infestation.

A preventative measure to keep under consideration is the moisture levels of a home. If a home is kept dry and avoids hidden damp areas, then it’s less likely to attract termites than one which has moist wood.