Anyone who has experienced a home invasion of the termite kind can attest to the fact that these destructive little beasts often sneak into our homes unnoticed; and by the time we do catch them, the damage is so severe that they break into our wallets too. These stealthy little destroyers can number into the hundreds of thousands or even millions per colony and still they remain mostly cloaked in darkness in the depths of our homes working to destroy the sills and framework causing the structural integrity of our homes to be compromised.
In fact, the subterranean termite is considered to be one of the most destructive species, and can eventually collapse entire buildings causing devastation and financial ruin. It is so important that you recognize these little wood destroyers before they get to this point. The annual flight of the termite, depending on species, ranges from December thru April. This is usually your only chance to catch a glimpse of the winged reproductive termites as they search for a home to begin a new colony. Some species will swarm at night while other species swarm only on warm days. These pests can be seen searching for their favorite meal - moist wood. You may notice piles of wings or dead termites near windows, tubs or sinks after their flight. Also, periodically check along your foundation for ‘mud tubes’ – the termite’s super highway for finding food sources. Signs of damage to the wood in and around your home that you may notice include:
- wood that appears ‘crushed’
- wood that sounds hollow when tapped on
- wood that looks blistered
The good news is that there some things you can do that will make your home less likely to become a ‘victim’ of these sneaky little thieves. Termite prevention tips include:
- Prevent water accumulation around your foundation
- Keep mulch at least 15 inches from the base of your foundation
- Keep flowers and plants away from your foundation
- Ventilate attics, basements and crawl spaces to keep wood dry
- Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your house
- Check for leaks in plumbing and AC units and repair as soon as you notice them
The bad news is that once you have termites invade your home it is nearly impossible to destroy them all without the help of a professional. Here at Action Pest Control, we specialize in ridding you of the burden and worry of these little creatures – and many others. Action Pest is Quality-Pro certified, and we have highly trained board certified entomologists and over 70 state-certified pest management professionals on staff waiting to create your personalized battle plan against these little enemies. Call today to learn about our 5 step termite control system and give yourself the peace of mind that your home is free from your invasion of the termite kind.