Termites can give any property owner nightmares because of the amount of damage they can cause. If a termite population grows inside your home, you could be on the hook for extremely expensive repairs. Here are a few frequently asked questions regarding these unwanted pests.
How Much Damage Can Termites Actually Cause?
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. residents spend roughly $1 billion to $2 billion each year on termite repairs and prevention. Too often, homeowners find a few termites and assume that it's a minor problem. In reality, these termites feed in large groups and can quickly eat away at the structure of your home.
What Do Termites Look Like?
Termite workers are soft-bodied and pale and about one-quarter of an inch in length. They are broadly jointed to their abdomen with strait antennas. Winged termites, on the other hand, are commonly referred to as swimmers, and they have pigmented bodies with broad waists to go along with their equally sized wings. The discarded wings of swarmers are usually a great indication of a termite infestation; after these pests fly a short distance from their nest into your home, they break off their wings with the intention of settling in for good. If you notice multiple termite wings around your home, it's time to contact a pest control service and hire an exterminator.
How to Protect Your Home From Termites?
Keeping wood and debris as far away from your home as possible is a great first step, along with raising any woodpiles a few feet off the ground to keep termites out. But the only way to effectively rid your home of these unwanted insects is to work with a professional pest control service. A quality pest control company can assist you in both termite prevention and extermination. The best thing you can do to assist the exterminators is to regularly inspect your own home and let them know where exactly you've identified any signs of termites or termite damage.
Don't make the mistake of ignoring a termite infestation. Just remember that for every termite you do see, there are potentially tens of thousands more hiding within your home.