Home Maintenance 101: Never Ignore the Signs of a Termite Infestation
A termite infestation only becomes apparent after it has caused severe damage
Termites are considered among the most destructive pests in the world. These social insects live in large colonies and feed primarily on cellulose materials, including wood, plants, sheetrock paper, cardboard, insulation, fabric, metal siding, leaf litter, and soil. The most common termite species in the homes are damp wood termite, dry wood termite, and subterranean termite.
Termites are known as ‘silent destroyers.’ A termite infestation only becomes apparent after it has caused severe damage. They thrive in warm, dark, and moist environments to prevent their bodies from drying out. It is challenging for a homeowner to detect a termite infestation.
Some common signs of termite infestation include mud tubes on the walls, hollow-sounding wood, pinholes in drywall, loose floor tiles, bubbling or flaking paint, rotting wood, buckling wood floorboards, termite droppings, cracked baseboard, termite wings on the floor, frass underneath the wood, and sticking windows and doors.
Why is a termite infestation worrying?
While termites do not bite, sting, or harm humans directly, they can cause significant property damage. Termites cause billions of dollars in property damage annually in the United States. Here are a few reasons to never ignore the signs of a termite infestation:
Termites are voracious feeders
A mature termite colony can have several thousand termites. They work non-stop, 24/7, 365 days a year. Termites can quickly eat through a wood structure silently and result in expensive repair bills until the homeowner notices the symptoms of their presence.
Termites can cause extensive structural damage
Structural damage can compromise the home’s safety. Even a small termite colony, when left unattended, can cause significant damage. They can chew their way through the wood, concrete, paper, cardboard, fiberboard, and steel to generate a structure that becomes hollow or collapse.
Termites can cause health issues
A termite infestation is harmful to the family’s health. While termites are not known to carry or transmit diseases, they can cause allergic reactions and asthma attacks in a few people. Termite-damaged wooden steps or flooring can cause severe injuries when someone puts their feet on them.
It is challenging to control a termite infestation
As thousands of termites live together in colonies, an infestation is hard to eliminate. The infestation can go undetected for several years. While it is easier to manage smaller infestations using DIY methods, seeking the help of a pest control technician is a must for larger infestations.
Termites can lead to electrical failure
Termites can eat through electrical cables in search of food. They can eat the lead or plastic wire coverings, leading to malfunctioning outlets, short circuits, fire, and other electrical problems.
A termite infestation indicates water damage
Termites are attracted to excess moisture. The presence of termites in the home is a sign of potential water damage somewhere in the house.
Get professional pest control
The price homeowners have to pay for ignoring termite infestation signs is huge. No property is immune from a termite infestation. Moisture around the foundation, wet or decayed wood, and wood coming in contact with the soil present favorable conditions for a termite to survive. Get in touch with a local pest control service to manage a termite infestation or learn ways to prevent it.
Kinder Safe Pest Solutions offers 17 years of experience in commercial and residential pest control serving Manatee and Sarasota counties. Call (941)254-2180 today!