From roaches and ants to mice and bats, the importance of preventing pests in your home is easy to see. Because they are not as visible as other pests, termites are one of the most overlooked issues homeowners face. Not only do these insects damage the actual home, but they are difficult to treat once they have established themselves. With this guide, you will learn a few interesting facts about termites.
Damage Is Costly
Most people are surprised to learn that termites cause billions of dollars in property damage each year in the United States. For homeowners, this damage can range from minor to severe, but it will require costly treatments and repairs. Here are a few signs of termite damage you may not be noticing:
- Crackling/Bubbling Paint
- Soft/Hollowed Wood
- Difficulty opening/closing doors/windows
- Visible pin-sized holes on wood surfaces
If you are noticing one or more of the above signs, consulting a pest control team is imperative for preventing further damage.
Surprisingly, there are other signs that you may have termites in and around your home. Frass, or fecal matter, is also a common sign of a termite infestation. Termite frass looks similar to sawdust.
Also, if you notice dusty, muddy tubes lining along your home's exterior, they may stem from termites. These tubes are created using frass, mud, soil, and other debris, by termites as passageways into the home.
Home Maintenance Is Helpful
Termites can infest even the cleanest of homes, but proper maintenance can reduce your risk of these and other pests.
To get started, focus on the landscaping around your home. Tall grass blades and overgrown shrubs are the perfect hiding spot for termites. In addition, moisture can quickly build up and remain on grass, shrubs, and trees, making them even more appealing to termites.
If you have flower beds around your home's foundation, consider using pine straw or gravel to fill the beds instead of wood mulch that is attractive to termites.
Sealing your crawlspace is also beneficial for maintaining a pest-free home. Sealing with a simple layer of plastic sheeting will reduce moisture and humidity, making your home less appealing to termites.
Lastly, pay attention to how you are storing wood. Firewood and project lumbar should be stored away from your home's exterior. Make sure to clean up any yard debris, such as trimmed or pruned trees and tree stumps. Dispose of this debris at a yard-waste facility, so termites do not make the debris their new home.
Termites can cause a great deal of damage to your home, but maintenance can help with prevention. To learn more about these small, yet aggressive, insects, contact your local pest control services today.
