Termites are one of the most common wood-destroying pests to invade homes. There are over 2,000 species of termites in the world, with at least 45 different kinds of termites within the United States alone. Subterranean termites, drywood termites, and dampwood termites are the most common termites to plague homes in the United States.
Subterranean termites live beneath the ground where they have constant access to the moisture they need to survive. Drywood termites prefer dryer climates, live above ground, and nest in higher places like treetops and attics. Dampwood termites tend to live in wet, often rotting, wood.
What Does A Termite Infestation Look Like?
Termite infestations are, unfortunately, often silent. If homeowners look closely, they may notice a few signs of termites in their homes. Your home may have a termite problem if you see warping floorboards, sagging walls, peeling paint, or hollow-sounding wood. Additionally, termites leave behind frass, termite waste that resembles wood shavings.
Termites swarm once a year in a mating ritual. After swarming, they shed their wings. These shed wings are found in or around properties that are termite-infested. Infested wood will look like Swiss cheese, with maze-like tunnels bored throughout. This leaves wood weak and eventually leads to crumbling. Wood makes up the internal structure of homes. A weakened structure could leave you and your family living in unsafe conditions.
Why Is It So Hard To Get Rid Of Termites On Your Property?
Termites are very quiet pests. Their silent nature gives them a long time to work their way through your home without being noticed. As they rarely leave their nests, termites are hard to track down. Termites reproduce in large numbers, so killing a few visible termites will not solve the problem. It is imperative to remove the nest to remove a termite infestation altogether. Nests are often located in hard-to-reach places, such as wall cavities.
What Attracts Termites To Homes?
Termites may be attracted to your home if there are leaks or standing pools of water. Termites are attracted to moisture, something they need to survive. Damp basements, flooded or puddle-filled yards and humidity could be attracting termites to your property. Wood that is in direct contact with the ground or is left untreated is another popular target for termites. Additionally, cracks in buildings may offer shelter and access through which termites can enter your home.
Ways To Prevent Future Termite Infestations
The best termite control is always prevention. Some ways to avoid termite infestation include, but are not limited to:
- Seal cracks and small openings around doors, windows, garage doors, and utility entry points
- Get rid of standing water around the home
- Cut back tree branches and bushes, keeping them away from the side of the house and roof
- Keep lumber, firewood, and wood scraps elevated off the ground and well away from your home
- Divert water away from your property with proper drainage and gutters
- Ventilate seldom used spaces, like attics and basements
Of course, the only way to guarantee termite removal is to work with a pest control expert. An expert in the business, like Innovative Pest Solutions, can ensure that an active termite infestation is quickly and effectively removed. Furthermore, we can treat your property to ensure no future infestations. With over 20 years of pest control experience under our belt, we are well-equipped to assist homeowners with all of their pest control needs. For peace of mind for you and your home, contact Innovative Pest Solutions today!
