What are termites? 

Termites are small, soft-bodied insects that live in colonies.

Photo by Jeremy Bezanger on Unsplash

Pest control specialists believe that termites are a major problem for homeowners. Termites cause billions of dollars in damage to homes every year, and they can be tough to get rid of once they infest a home. 

Ir.herbie, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

There are three main termites: subterranean, dry wood, and Formosan. Subterranean termites are the most common type of termite, and they live in the soil beneath homes. Drywood termites live in wood that is not touching the ground, such as framing or trim. Finally, Formosan termites are a very aggressive type of termite that can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. 

The most convenient way to prevent termites from damaging your home is to regularly inspect them by a pest control professional. If you think you might have termites, it’s essential to call an exterminator as soon as possible. Termites can do a lot of damage in a short amount of time, so the sooner you get rid of them, the better. 

If you think you may have termites, you must act fast and contact a professional. Termites can cause severe damage to your home if left untreated. There are a few ways that you can spot termites in your home: 

-Look for mud tubes on the exterior of your home. Termites build these tubes as a way to travel from their nests to your woodwork. 

-Check for wings near doors and windows. Swarming termites will often leave behind their wings after shedding them. 

-Listen for any clicking or buzzing sounds coming from your walls. This could indicate termites eating away at the wood in your home. 

Gordon Joly, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

-Look for any wood that sounds hollow when tapped. This is another sign that termites have been eating away at the wood in your home. 

Are there any preventive measures to take to avoid termite infestation? 

Yes, there are a few preventive measures you can take to avoid a termite infestation: 

-Make sure there is no wood-to-soil contact around your home. This means keeping firewood and other wood materials away from the exterior of your home. 

-Repair any cracks or holes in your foundation. This will help prevent termites from getting into your home. 

-Keep gutters and drains clear of debris. This will help prevent moisture build-up around your home, attracting termites. 

-Have your home regularly inspected by a pest control professional. This is the best way to prevent termites from damaging your home. 

Cosal, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you think your home has termites, you must act fast and contact a professional. Meanwhile, you must avoid carrying out any home remedy as it might worsen the problem. Some people think that they can get rid of termites with some home remedies. However, this is not advisable as most of these home remedies are ineffective and might even worsen the problem. The best way to get rid of termites is to contact a professional pest control company. They will be able to inspect your home and identify the type of termite you have. They will then be able to provide you with the best treatment options to get rid of the termites. 

Categorized in: