Compared to other pests, termites can cause severe damage and can even threaten your house’s structural integrity. This is because they can chew through the flooring, wood, and even wallpaper without being noticed. In many cases, this type of damage is not covered by homeowner’s insurance, so it pays to be cautious. Based on statistics, termite infestation affects more than 500,000 homes in the USA alone. This may be because wood is the primary building material used to construct homes in the US. This post will take an in-depth look to understand what a termite infestation is and how you can deal with one.
Identifying Termites
In entomology, a termite is a small ant-like insect that measures between a quarter and half an inch long. Termites have soft bodies with a straight antenna and can range from white to yellow to a light brown color. During a termite season, many people hire a termite exterminator to keep these troublesome creatures at bay. Termites are more active during the warmer and wetter seasons. However, this might depend on the area where you reside and the type of termites present in that area. If you begin noticing straying termites in your home, this is the ideal time to have your home inspected. I highly recommend the trustworthy building inspector near me. Early inspection and detection will help invest in efficient termite treatment and save your home from an infestation.
Termite Sounds
Are you wondering what termites sound like? Well, you’re not alone. Promising signs termites infest your walls is if there are quiet clicking sounds. When soldier termites sense the colony is disturbed, they will bang their heads against the wood to signal danger. Additionally, they might also shake their bodies to distribute the signal to other termites in the colony. Worker termites are noisy eaters and will eat into your woodwork quickly. Try placing your ear near your walls, and you might happen to hear the termites munching away the woodwork. If this happens, you need to hire a termite control company immediately.
What About Flying Termites?
In many cases, the first sign of a termite infestation is flying termites; these are also called alates or swarmers. Entomology studies have shown that flying termites are the males and females that leave the nest to find a mate. If they’re successful in finding a mate, they will form a new colony – which could be anywhere from in or near your home. If you observe a termite colony in your home, you can employ solutions like soil-applied barrier treatment. However, ensure you work with an expert Termites Pest Control company when doing this.
Chemical Treatments
If you’re planning to control termites by yourself, ensure you purchase the correct pesticide. You should ensure the pesticide doesn’t in any way pose harm to the environment or human health. A good chemical is using Boric acid. This acid works by shutting down the termite’s nervous system and dehydrating it.
Termites can cause widespread damage if they’re left unchecked. This is why it’s always good to work with a competent termite control professional when dealing with a termite infestation. A qualified professional will recommend the best treatment regimen tailored to your home’s needs. Finally, you can also try a DIY pest control method to keep termites away.