The Signs Of A Termite Infestation And Common Treatments
When it comes to pests, termites are one of the most destructive. If you have a termite infestation they can quickly and completely destroy the structure of your home. Termites build colonies inside the walls of your home, so they may be there for a while before you even become aware of them being there. It is important that you are aware of the signs of a possible termite infestation in order for you to contact a termite control company as soon as possible.
Signs of a Termite Infestation
Termites are generally found in damp areas of your home and close to a wood source. It is sometimes easy to confuse termites with flying ants, so if you have concerns about which pest is invading your home, contact a termite control company as soon as possible to schedule an inspection. Some of the most common signs of a termite problem may include:
- Finding small piles of sawdust around the foundation of your home, near the interior walls and/or near the window wells
- If you notice small mud tunnels in the yard, on the exterior walls or around the perimeter of the foundation, they may be shelter tubes, which are how the termites travel in and out of the structure of your home. One way to verify if you have a termite infestation is to break open one of the mud tunnels, then check it a few days later. If the tunnel has been rebuilt, there is probably a termite infestation.
- Termites shed their wings as they swarm, so finding termite wings in the window wells or around the interior and/or exterior perimeter of your home is generally a sign of a termite problem.
Getting Rid of Termites
Effectively getting rid of a termite infestation is not a DIY project. It is necessary to contact a professional termite control company to completely rid your home of the infestation. The type of treatment used depends on a variety of factors, such as the type of termites causing the problems and the extent of the infestation. Some of the most common treatments for termite control include:
- Liquid chemicals, which are poured into a trench around the perimeter of your home
- Termite baits, which contain a paper or wood material to attract them when they are searching for a food source and a poison that is carried back to the colony
- Fumigation may be used if there is a severe infestation. This type of treatment requires your family to evacuate the home for a few days in order for the pest control company to release a chemical inside the house that is absorbed into the walls
If you see termites or suspect you have a termite problem, you should contact a termite control company as soon as possible.
