The Answers To Katy’s Most Frequently Asked Termite Questions
With bad information swirling around online and countless horror stories about termite damage, it can be daunting to know how, exactly, to protect against these wood-boring pests. Luckily, we’ve got the answers to set the record straight, providing you with all you need to know to keep termites away.
What Are The Signs Of Termites In Your Home?
Termites are ant-like invaders that eat away at household wood. Like ants, termites form colonies and elaborate tunnels to get around. Unlike ants, however, you’re far less likely to see termites or the damage they cause unless you know what you’re looking for. These blind bugs are good at sticking to the shadows, and they can toil for weeks or even months undetected. Here are some of the signs to watch for:
Windows & doors: As termites chew through the interior of wooden materials, the surface alters accordingly. This can lead to loose or tight-fitting windows and doors, or frames and thresholds that lean.
Drooping walls: The same goes for the walls, which can no longer support the weight of heavy drywall after constant termite activity. If you notice bulging wallpaper or sagging sections, you need to act quickly.
Clicking: It’s rare, but every so often homeowners report hearing a faint clicking sound in their walls which clues them into a termite infestation. That’s the sound of soldier termites banging their heads, a warning to others of danger or worker termites tunneling through the wood.
Are Termites Harmful To Humans?
Termites don’t bite people and they aren’t known to spread dangerous diseases. However, the damage that termites cause to a structure can certainly be a health hazard. Hollow walls and sagging roofs risk collapsing, which can be dangerous for anyone standing too close. In that regard, a termite infestation is one of the most dangerous infestations out there. It's important to know what attracts termites and what you can do about it. It’s also why, if an infestation is already forming, you need to call the experts right away, and not waste time with potentially ineffective solutions.
What Is The Cause Of Termites?
Termite infestations, like most bug problems, start outside and then encroach upon people’s properties. Depending on the circumstances, there are different factors that will attract termites, including:
Damp wood: Some termites prefer waterlogged materials, which are easier to chew through and keep them hydrated while they work. Leaking pipes or areas of moisture buildup in your home can be an attractant for these termites.
Dry wood: On the other hand, some termites prefer dry wood, meaning they can flock to structures during wet weather when the wood outside is too damp. Make your home less accessible and attractive through some of the other steps outlined on this list.
Soil contact: Flowerbeds or lawns that run right up against a structure are simply providing easier access for termites looking to access to your patios and walls.
Vegetation: The same goes for overhanging tree limbs and shrubbery that might grow close to structures. Keep these trimmed back.
Can You Treat For Termites Yourself?
It is extremely hard to get rid of termites. Not only can it be nearly impossible to root them out unless you already know where to look, but the fact that they form resilient colonies means that only the most thorough solutions will truly solve the problem. At-home or store-bought treatments aren’t guaranteed to kill an entire colony, and if reproductive termites remain unscathed, the problem will simply grow right back. That’s why the best course of action is to turn to the experts, who can provide peace of mind that the right methods are being applied.
How Do You Properly Protect From Termites?
The only guarantees come from an expert, professional solutions. The friendly staff at Modern Pest Control can provide you with more tips on how to stay protected from termites and look for their signs. If an inspection uncovers a problem, you can trust us to solve it fast and make sure it never comes back.
Don’t take a chance on termite damage, contact Modern Pest Control today.