Termites are destructive creatures. Although they are diminutive in size, they can wreak untold havoc on a home. Keep reading to learn about the extreme damage termites can do.
What are Termites?
Simply put, termites are insects that eat wood. In a single year, they can cause billions dollars worth of damage to homes in the United States. One of the biggest reasons termites are so destructive is that they go virtually unnoticed as they eat their fill of wood. When homeowners finally discover termites, it is often too late, as irreparable damage has already been done. Most of the time, people discover they have termites when they notice the damage.
Signs of Termites
Even though it is difficult to know if you have termites, there are some signs that can point you in that direction. If you notice any of these tell-tale signs of termites, you need to call an exterminator right away:
- Wood that is hollowed or otherwise damaged.
- Blisters in wood flooring.
- Discarded termite wings near access points.
- Mud tubes where the ground meets the house.
- Evidence of drywood termite droppings.
- Flying swarms on your property.
- Discolored or drooping drywall or drywall with pinholes.
- Maze-like patterns on your furniture, walls or floorboards.
Damage Done by Termites
If you do not stop termites that have gotten into your home, you will most likely be in for a lot of expensive trouble. Certainly, they can cause unsightly cosmetic damage, but that is the least of the issues they cause. They also cause devastating structural damage that must be addressed. Some parts of the structure of your home that can be caused by termites include:
- Support beams.
- Floor joists.
- Ceiling joists.
- Wall studs.
- Posts.
- Wall studs.
Further, not only can the entire structure of your home be in danger, termites also emit an extremely unpleasant odor that can permeate the home.
Preventing Termites
Although there is no guarantee you can completely prevent termites from invading your home, there are some simple steps you can take to prevent an infestation, including:
- Keep shrubbery around the home trimmed
- Use pine needles in place of mulch.
- Point sprinkler heads away from your house’s foundation.
- Properly maintain the exterior of your home.
- Make sure you crawl space is properly vented.
- Call your local pest control company to spray for them.
If you have questions regarding how termites can destroy a home or to schedule an appointment to prevent a termite infestation in your home, Contact Germantown Pest Control and Termite today.