Termites are insects that can do massive damage to your home. They are ‘silent destroyers’ that can bring down a whole structured building. These tiny terrorists are in constant search of food, moisture, and warmth. It can be quite unfortunate if these substances are found under your roof.
The most shocking thing is that it can be quite hard detecting a termite infestation until it is too late. They are good at hiding in walls, the backyard, and also in your furniture. They are notorious for wreaking havoc in homes.
There are over two thousand species of termites in the world. However, only a handful of them make life a living hell for humans. Some of the dangerous termite species include:
- Subterranean termites – These termites walk in colonies and will dig deeper into the ground in search of wood. They may travel close to 50kms underground, destroying home foundations and insulation.
- Drywood termites – Unlike subterranean, drywood termites live above the ground. They find a home in trees and wood, consuming it from within. The wooden area will look fine from the outside but crumble from the inside.
- Dampwood termites – As the name suggests, dampwood termites are attracted to damp and decaying wood. As such, they are commonly found in homes that have moisture or plumbing issues.
- Formosan termites – These termites are one of the worst. They will travel across continents via ports and infest on any wooden substance. They will also feast on boats as well as live trees.
Each of the above termites is different in one way or the other. However, they all thrive in wood and can easily cause irreparable damage.
Signs of termite infestation
Various tell-n-tale signs tcan prompt you to call your local termite control.
Some of them include:
- Buckling wood
- Swollen wooden floors and ceilings
- Visible mazes on walls or other furniture
- Mud tubes
- Wood that caves in when pushed
The worst thing is that these signs may not be visible until the damage is too deep.
Dealing with a termite infestation
As we stated earlier, termite infestation is quite dangerous. By the time you realize the amount of damage done, repair costs will have skyrocketed to unimaginable heights.
Since most individuals are afraid of this kind of damage, a majority of people will act as soon as they notice signs of infestation. They will try to handle the situation themselves.
However, this is strictly discouraged.
The first step is to seek professional help. These experts will conduct an inspection of your property to very well identify the extent of the damage and offer various treatment options suitable for your situation.
There are other things that should be done to keep termites at bay. They include:
- Eliminating any moisture problems in your house that may attract termites
- Ensuring all gutters and downspouts are clean
- Repairing any leakages from faucets and water pipes
- Ensuring no stagnant water is around your structure’s foundation
- Getting rid of debris and dirt around the house
- Making regular inspections on wooden furniture and other structures.
Leave a Reply