There are no two ways about it when you see signs of a pest infestation in your home. You want to do everything you can to eliminate it immediately. But what if your home was infested with pests--but you didn't know it? Such is the case with termites that can be living in and feeding on your home for several years without you knowing about them. They can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage. While this may seem dire, there is hope.
When it comes to termites and protecting your home, the best thing you can do is be proactive about the potential threat. This means, don’t wait until it is too late. Keeping your home termite-free can be as simple as knowing how termites operate, identifying and fixing potential termite attractions, spotting termite activity, and finally, knowing the pros to call when you need help.
Termite Colonies: The Ins And Outs
In a termite colony, there is a caste system that divides the colony into three different castes of termites. These are the workers, the soldiers, and the reproductive (or kings and queens). Each caste has a specific job. Workers are charged with gathering food and caring for the colony while soldiers are responsible for protecting the colony with the help of their strong mandibles. The kings and queens (or reproductive) are, as their name suggests, responsible for reproducing.
Another responsibility that falls on new kings and queens is going out and building new colonies. This is known as swarming, and this happens during the period in which it easiest for homeowners to spot potential termite infestations. Swarmers have little wings that they shed. The appearance of swarmers or their wings in your home is a telltale sign that you should call for professional help.
Unfortunately, there aren’t always apparent signs of a termite infestation, so knowing what might attract termites can help you limit your chances of an infestation.
What Attracts Termites To Homes?
It is pretty simple. Knowing what might attract termites to your home, and resolving the issues are the first steps in keeping termites away from your home. So, what attracts termites to your home? For starters, excess moisture seeping into your walls which attracts the termites as they are out foraging for food. This can be caused by leaky pipes and fixtures or clogged gutters, so repairing leaks and keeping gutters clean is a priority when it comes to termite prevention.
In addition to excess moisture, termites generally find their way into homes through wood-to-soil contact. This could be wood siding, porches, steps, deck posts, etc. This means keeping a buffer zone between the wood and the soil will greatly help to limit a termite’s chances of entering your home.
Where To Look For Termite Infestations
Because there is rarely readily noticeable damage caused by termites, knowing where to look for them will greatly help you in limiting your exposure. Termites are generally found feeding on the structural wood of your home, in the walls, floors, etc. However, they may also be found in door frames, windows, and any hollow-sounding timber.
Because termites nest outside and travel into your home for food, there are some signs you may spot outside your house that will help you identify termites. One major sign is the appearance of mud tubes which termites travel through on their way to your home. These will usually be found in dark, hidden locations on the outside of foundation walls.
What To Do If You Have Termites
If you do notice any of the signs of termites, there’s only one thing left to do: Contact the professionals here at Roberts Termite & Pest Control. Not only will we help eliminate any current infestations, but we will also help you identify and resolve problem areas so that termites aren’t drawn to your home in the future. After all, the best way to keep your house termite-free is by being proactive. Contact us today for more details on how we can help keep your home termite-free, for good!