Termite removal is a lot harder and more expensive than termite prevention because getting rid of termites is a massive undertaking. Termite colonies are complex entities that can spread all over your house, and that’s why eliminating them is so difficult. Unfortunately, it’s easy for termites to spread while you’re none the wiser. Discover more about these wood-destroying pests and how The PEST Group can help you protect your property against termite damage.
You're Not Likely To See A Termite: How To Identify Signs Of Activity
Termites eat wood. That’s not only the main reason why they’re so destructive; it’s also the reason they can hide out in your house for months or even years without leaving clues they’re there. Since these social insects don’t need to leave their nests to feed, you will probably never see one, even if your house is full of them.
That’s why having a professional termite inspection is so vital to protect your home from these damaging pests. Termite experts can spot many early signs of termites before you realize there’s a problem, helping you avoid the catastrophic damage these pests can cause.
Understanding The Termite Threat: Why Termites Infest Homes
Termites infest homes because they’re often the best places for them to get their needs met. Termites need moisture, shelter, and wood to eat. Since our homes are made of lumber and have climate control and indoor plumbing, they’re often the best choice for invading termites, especially if we have issues like wood rot or water damage.
Termites invade from underground or through tiny cracks in your siding or foundation. This means the best time to think about termite control is before you start seeing signs of termites in your home. Once you start seeing signs of termites, they have likely already inflicted serious damage.
Proactive Measures: Preventing Termite Invasions
Once you have active termites, there’s not a lot you can do to get rid of the infestation on your own. The good news, though, is that you can do plenty to make your house less attractive to termites before you wind up with an infestation. To lower your chances of winding up with termites, take the following steps:
- Seal cracks and holes in your home’s exterior.
- Repair moisture problems like leaks and clogged drainage.
- Remove rotted wood from your home, as it’s easier for termites to invade.
- Keep all wood, like firewood and mulch, away from your home’s exterior.
- Trim trees and bushes away from your home to eliminate wood contact.
Following these best practices can make your home harder for termites to invade and encourage them to stay outside where they belong.
Calling in the Experts: Professional Termite Control
If you suspect that you have a termite infestation, you need to act immediately. You might be tempted to try to deal with it yourself, but there are several problems with this strategy. First of all, termite colonies spread clandestinely.
There might be one obvious primary nest and dozens of smaller satellite nests. Amateurs attempting their own termite control typically attack the primary nest and leave the satellite nests intact. This allows the termite population in your home to bounce back.
Another issue with doing your own termite control is the ineffectiveness of over-the-counter termite products. Foggers and sprays typically reduce the termite population around your home, but only temporarily, because the individuals they leave behind will increase their numbers. Partially eliminating termite infestations can also cause termites to increase their rate of reproduction and spread out.
The best thing you can do when you think you have a termite problem is to contact the most effective professional termite control services in the business: The PEST Group!
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