Have you noticed any strange noises or movements in your home in recent months? Are those noises appearing to be coming from the walls of your home and it makes you wonder what is causing them?
It is not uncommon to suspect that you have an infestation. Termites cause the country a great deal of damage every year. It costs more than $4 billion in repairs for the destruction caused by these pesky critters.
But what are the signs of a termite infestation? How do you know if you do? And how can you prevent their destruction in your home?
Find out all this and more below.
Types of Termites
There are three types that can infest your home: dry wood, damp wood, and subterranean. Each type of termite requires different conditions to thrive, but all three types can cause extensive damage to your home if left unchecked.
Drywood termites are the most common type of termite in the United States. They live in dry, wooded areas and prefer to eat dead, dry wood. Drywood termites leave small piles of sawdust near where they are eating.
You can find Dampwood termites in wet environments. They prefer to eat damp wood, and if you have damp wood termites, you may notice water stains or mold on the wood they are infesting.
Subterranean termites are the most destructive termite type. They live in the soil and build mud tunnels to reach above ground food sources, like the wood in your home. If you have subterranean termites, you may notice small, dirt-filled tubes on the exterior of your home.
These tubes are how the termites travel from their nest in the ground to your home.
How Termites Enter Your Home
One way is through cracks in the foundation or gaps around doors and windows. Another way is through an exposed wood that is in contact with the soil. Buried wood is also susceptible to infestation.
Once you have termites in your home, they can quickly multiply and cause extensive damage.
Signs of Infestation
Look for signs of an infestation, such as
- Mud tubes on the exterior of your home
- Swarmers (winged termites) in your home or yard
- Wood that sounds hollow when tapped
- Piles of wings near windows or doors
- Sawdust or termite droppings
Termite Infestation Treatment
There are a few different methods that can get rid of termites, but the most effective method may vary depending on the severity of the infestation. If you see any of the previously mentioned signs, it’s important to contact this service as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your home.
Termite Prevention
To prevent an infestation, have a well-sealed foundation and avoid having any wood in contact with the ground. Regularly check for any water leaks and have them repaired. If you have any wood that is damaged or decaying, remove it and replace it with new wood.
Or, have a professional inspect your home and identify any potential problem areas. They will then be able to recommend the best course of action to take to prevent an infestation.
Causes of Termite Infestation
Common reasons a termite infestation may occur in your home include ideal termite living conditions, poorly sealed or constructed foundation, wood that is in contact with the ground, water leaks, and damaged or decaying wood.
If you think you have an infestation, contact a pest control professional as soon as possible. Termites can cause serious damage to your home if left untreated.
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