How to Know If Your Home is Infested With Termites
According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), termites cost Americans more than $5 billion in damage annually. This puts termites as the leading threat to wood-based structures, in front of fires, floods, and harsh winds! As a result, it’s vital for New York homeowners to be aware of the signs of a termite infestation.
In this post, we’ll discuss how to know if your home is infested with termites and why it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible to prevent costly termite damage.
Signs of a Termite Infestation
There are several signs that your home may be infested with termites. These include:
Mud Tubes
Subterranean termites will build mud tubes to keep the air by them moist while they eat away at your home. If you see these mud tubes, termites are close by. Try to keep your home free of items that are constantly damp or moist like mulch, firewood, and wood chips. Store these items a safe distance away from your home.
Termite Swarmers
Swarmers are winged termites that emerge from their nest to mate and start new colonies. They are often mistaken for flying ants. If you see a swarm of insects in or around your home, it’s important to have them identified by a professional.
Hollow Wood
No piece of wood is safe when termites are in the area. The wood may be smooth and untouched on the outside, but the inside is a whole other story. Termites stay in dark environments so they will feed on the wood from the inside out. Knock on a piece of wood; if it sounds hollow and isn’t supposed to be, you may have an infestation of termites.
Damaged Wood
If you notice wood that appears to be damaged or weakened, it may be a sign of a termite infestation. Termites can cause wood to become soft and brittle, making it easy to break.
Keep in mind that termites are small and can fit through the smallest of cracks and holes. If you’re suspicious of any termite activity then check your home for cracks, especially if you notice paint is beginning to chip away. Seal all cracks and holes immediately to prevent termites from re-entering your home.
Why It’s Important to Address a Termite Infestation
Termites can cause significant damage to your home if left untreated. They can weaken the structure of your home, making it unsafe to live in. In addition, termite damage is often not covered by homeowner’s insurance policies, which means that the cost of repairs will be out of pocket. It’s important to address a termite infestation as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your home.
How to Prevent a Termite Infestation
There are several steps you can take to prevent a termite infestation in your home. These include:
Remove Wood Debris
Termites are attracted to wood, so it’s important to remove any wood debris from around your home.
Seal Cracks and Crevices
Termites can enter your home through even the smallest cracks and crevices. Seal these openings with caulk or another sealant to prevent termites from entering.
Keep Wood Away from Your Home
If you have woodpiles or other wood structures near your home, move them away to reduce the risk of a termite infestation.
Call Knockout Pest Control
The best way to prevent a termite infestation in your New York home is to have a regular termite control in place from Knockout Pest Control. Our team of trained technicians can identify any signs of a termite infestation and recommend treatment options to protect your investment.
To schedule an inspection for your home, call (800) 244-PEST.
