It’s never a fun day when you discover termites living in your home; the average homeowner has to spend around $3,300 to repair the damage caused by these tiny bugs!
So, if you want to learn about how to prevent termites, the different types of termites, and of course the damage they can cause to your home, read on!
Types of Termites in the US
In the US, there are 3 native species of termites that love to feast on your home. And as you may have guessed, they all have different calling cards! For this article, the type of termite will be focused on, rather than the subgroup.
The first type of termite is the subterranean termite. These chaps survive in the soil under your home and dig their way in via the wooden parts of your foundation. They are more common in hotter climates, such as Texas.
The second type is the drywood termite. They can create multiple colonies within your home and are the only type of US termite that does not need water to stay alive. They nest in drywood structures and are once again more common in warmer areas of the US.
And finally, the Formosan termites are the most aggressive and destructive. Termite damage to your home from these guys can not only cause issues with the wood but can also lead to holes in your walls! They also have the largest colonies, with an average colony having 10 million termites.
Spotting Termites in Your Home
Luckily, termites are not insidious and are easy to spot.
If you notice mud tubes on exterior walls, bulging walls, bubbling walls, paint peeling, chewing noises at night, or notice that your timber framing is starting to sound hollow, you have some unwanted wood-loving visitors.
Also, if your inner doors are suddenly tougher to open, or your widows are jamming up, you should probably seek a professional assessment from an exterminator.
Finally, if you spot termite droppings, frass (powdered wood similar to sawdust), or notice discarded wings (common with swarming termites) then you can stop second-guessing and start booking a termite removal expert.
Getting Rid Of Termites
If you have had termites before or suspect that they have only just moved in, you can stop them from laying down roots in your home. There are many brands of termite killers you can purchase; some are designed for the exterior of your home and some can be put directly into any suspicious holes.
You can even now buy termite predators to kill them without damaging your home, such as nematodes and roundworms.
Remember, termites breed quickly and you should not delay extermination.
If you suspect that your home has a more extensive infestation or previous methods to control the insects have failed, then you will need to seek help from a professional exterminator.
Concerned that you have termites in your home? Don’t worry! Visit our website for more tips on preventing different types of termites and fixing associated damage to your home.
