Often, you do not actually see termites around your property; but this does not stop them from being a problem that you need to deal with. Even though termites are relatively small (about one eighth of an inch), they can cause a lot of damage in your home. They eat away at the wooden structures from the inside out.
If you have a termite problem, you need to find out more about professional pest control so that you can prevent serious damage from happening. There are certain warning signs of termites that you may be able to spot, even if you do not see the insects themselves.
Signs that you might have a problem with termites
It’s a good idea to have your home inspected for termites at least once every two years; more often if you live in an area where there is a high incidence of termite infestations. You should also look out for indications that there could be a termite presence.
- The presence of termite tunnels.
- Doors and windows that stick. Wood often expands due to moisture caused by termite action.
- Wood that sounds hollow if you knock on it.
- Termite droppings which can look like small mounds of pepper.
- Areas of wood that are crumbling.
If you fail to spot the signs, and do not have your home inspected regularly, termites can cause serious damage over time.
The issue of termite damage
Lone termites are not an issue. One termite on its own could live in your property for thousands of years and not cause any serious damage. The problem is that termites live in large colonies. Even these colonies cause damage slowly. They destroy around one pound of wood over a day. However, the fact that they are hard to spot means that termites often have plenty of time to do their worst. This is why it’s so important to be vigilant.
How professional pest control can help
One of the most important pest control services is preventative pest inspections. The experts can call to your property and check for the presence of termites, as well as any entry points, and other issues such as damp, which make your home an attractive place for termites to take up residence.
If termites are found, the experts know the best products and processes to use to get rid of them as soon as possible. It’s possible to use DIY treatments, such as nematodes, to try and deal with termites in your home but professional treatments are usually more successful.
Termites could be destroying your home and you may not be aware of it. You may not realize until the wood in your home starts to sag and crumble. By this time, thousands of dollars of damage could have been caused. Having regular termite inspections carried out helps you to spot problems early so that the issue can be resolved quickly and effectively, and damage can be prevented.