Controlling The Pests So They Don't Control You

Termites can be very destructive to your home, so you want to spot signs of termites as soon as possible. This way, you can have the house treated and get rid of them before they cause further damage. This article will discuss the signs of termites, so you can determine if there's a problem sooner. Plus, you'll learn about the importance of having the home treated for termites right away. 

Signs of Termites

Swarms: You may see a swarm of termites around your property. These swarms are reproductive termites looking for a new location to establish a colony. If you act quickly enough when you see a swarm, you may be able to prevent any termite damage from being done to your house. 

Wood Damage: Termites feed on wood, which causes it to become hollow. You can look for hollow-sounding wood around your home when checking for termites. Also, look for signs of small holes leading into the wood. 

Termite Droppings: Termite droppings can look similar to coffee grounds. They can often be seen along the baseboards or near other areas where there is a termite infestation. 

Mud Tunnels: Some species of termites build mud tunnels to travel through. These tunnels are about the size of a coffee straw and can often be found along the exterior walls, along the foundation, or in crawl spaces. 

Wings: After the swarmers establish a new colony, they shed their wings. They typically do this on the windowsills or in doorways. If you suddenly see a lot of wings, then this lets you know you have termites in your home. 

Importance of Prompt Termite Treatment

Prevent Structural Damage: Termites can cause significant structural damage to homes and other structures. Since they feed on the wood, they weaken the structural integrity of the house by damaging the beams, floors, and walls. 

Protect Personal Belongings: Termites can infest much more than the house and cause extensive damage to other wood items. These can include furniture, wooden decor, and even instruments.

Save Money on Repairs: The longer termites infest a home, the more extensive the damage will be. This means the repairs will be more expensive. Treating the house for termites sooner helps keep those repair costs down. 

Protect the Property Value: Termites can negatively affect the property value of a house. If termites are discovered during a home inspection, then the property value can immediately decrease. Taking immediate action to have the house treated for termites can help maintain the property value.

Conclusion

Now that you know what to watch for and how important it is to have termites treated right away, you're in a better position to protect your home. Contact a company such as Bug Police LLC to learn more.