People always say that hindsight is 20/20, usually after something terrible has happened. More often than not, with just a little information and foresight, the problem could have been prevented. This is usually the case for termite damage. If you are not properly informed about termites and if you don't know how to stop them, you could find yourself staring at irreparable damage wondering where it all went wrong. We are here today to make sure this doesn’t happen.
What Are Termites?
Termites are small cream-colored insects that operate inside a caste system consisting of reproductives, workers, and soldiers. Termites' main purpose is to harvest cellulose, a material found in water-damaged wood. Unlike other pests, termites do not like to make their presence known. Fortunately for them, as long as they stay deep within the wood of our homes, or outside under the ground in their colony, it is not hard for them to stay out of sight. In the spring, and sometimes again in the fall, termite colonies produce a type of termite called termite swarmers (aka reproductives). These winged termites don't hide, but instead fly freely to find new places to call home. Unfortunately, seeing swarmers around your home is usually an indication that there is a mature colony either already eating away at your home, or nesting nearby.
How To Identify An Infestation
Besides keeping an eye out for termite swarmers, there are a few things you can do to spot an infestation in your home. Here are some things to look for.
- Mud tubes crawling up the exterior foundation of your home.
- Water-damaged wood. (this is not a sign of termites but rather a sign your home is at risk.)
- Overly creaky floorboards.
- Bubbling wallpaper and paint.
- Buckling walls
The only problem with trying to identify a termite infestation is that the signs they leave behind only become obvious as the damage they have done becomes severe.
The Amount Of Damage Termites Can Cause
Termites do not destroy wood fast as you might think, but they do destroy wood consistently, quietly, and methodically. Over time, as termites continue to destroy, damage builds up. After 3-5 years, damage can become irreparable. This is when you begin noticing the obvious signs of a termite infestation. Our hope is that you discover termites long before this point.
Why Call Accurate For Termites?
Discovering termites on your own is hard enough, treating for them, successfully, without professional help is nearly impossible. If you suspect your home might have termites, or you would like to set defenses in place to ensure it stays termite-free, the professionals here at Accurate Termite & Pest Solutions are here to help. Our team of qualified pest technicians has the tools and experience needed to rid your home of termites and keep them out of your Eureka home.
Want to learn more about how we do this or would you like to schedule an appointment for your home? Give us a call today.