Termites live underground in huge colonies, but given the right opportunity, they can — and will — get into your home. These pests love wooden structures, but they’re happy to find a meal in a variety of environments. How do termites invade your home, and what can you do to maximize termite control?
Even for houses built on concrete slab, termites often can find a way inside. By building mud tubes above ground to provide access to wood sources, the pests can enter your home through openings as tiny as a fraction of an inch. Once inside, termites feed on your framing, drywall, wood flooring and even furniture.
When left uncontrolled, termites can cause significant, costly damage to your residence and its contents. Taking action at the first signs of termites is critical for limiting termite damage.
Signs of a Termite Infestation
How do you spot a termite infestation before termite treatment cost becomes a burden?
One of the first telltale signs is the presence of mud tubes near your foundation. As a direct path to a termite colony, such mud tubes can answer the question “where do termites live?” Subterranean termites build the tubes as a means of traveling between their colony and your home as they continue getting needed nutrition.
In addition, be on the lookout for swarmers, which emerge for mating in the spring. If you see cast-aside wings near your doors and windows, you likely have a termite infestation in your home.
Have you noticed signs of blistering wood, or bubbling or uneven paint? Both can indicate a need for termite treatments.
Termite Prevention
What are some steps you can take for termite prevention? You can reduce the risk of a termite infestation by avoiding moisture accumulation near your foundation, since moisture attracts termites. Consider repairing any leaky faucets, malfunctioning air-conditioners and gutters.
Avoid storing firewood or other wood items near your home, including inside your crawlspace. Paper and wood items serve as food for termites. Make sure any wood near your home does not rest directly on the ground, which provides an easy path for termites to get inside.
You’ll also want to take steps to lower humidity in your crawlspace; ensure that the area under your home has adequate ventilation as well as vapor barrier. In addition, limit the use of mulch around your property. Although mulch is not a preferred food source for termites, it attracts the pests because it retains moisture in the soil underneath.
Contact H&H Pest Control and Waterproofing
Preventive termite treatments administered by an experienced pest control firm can help you avoid extensive termite damage to your home.
For more than four decades, H&H Pest Control and Waterproofing has protected thousands of homes from pests like termites. With your choice of one-time or recurring termite control services, you’ll gain peace of mind knowing that your home is protected.
Our skilled technicians can handle any problem you have with termites and other pests, including rodents, mosquitoes and many others. By choosing H&H Pest Control and Waterproofing for termite prevention, you make a sound investment in protecting your home. To learn more about our services or to schedule a termite prevention visit, please contact us.
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