Most people only know that termites are destructive, but they don’t learn anything more about termite behavior or how infestations start. This ignorance of the kinds of termites that are out there not only results in homeowners not realizing they have a problem, but it can also lead to larger hazards that are the result of termite damage. Simply put, you should learn everything you can about termites.
What To Know About Subterranean Termites
The most common termites around are subterranean ones. These kinds of termites don’t build mounds or hills, instead of carving unseen tunnels below the ground and working their way toward sources of wood. It’s this underground lifestyle that makes termites so difficult to spot. It’s not like people make a habit of digging up their lawns just to check for tiny bugs. That’s why the first and only sign people usually receive that they even have termites is the damage that crops up around their property. Termites can spread from one property to the next without anyone even realizing they are there, simply by tunneling under the ground. Termites don’t stop politely at fence lines, they simply seek out food and dig to wherever it is.
The Damage They Can Do To Your Property
Termites can spell doom for wooden structures and plants, which leads to potentially hazardous damage. All of the following are well-known signs of termite damage:
- Falling limbs: Termites typically attack outdoor sources of wood first, including roots and tree branches. Their damage over long periods of time can cause trees to lose limbs, which can not only cause more damage to your property but has the potential to cause injury.
- Warped woods: Termite damage is almost never seen on the surface of woods. Instead, the surface will bulge or buckle as termites chew through the interior or subterranean woods.
- Windows & Doors: The same thing that causes wood to warp can alter the frames that hold your windows and doors. If you notice that they suddenly fit too tight or too loose, it could be a sign of termite damage.
Termites Prevention Tips & Tricks
The thing about all those signs of termite activity is that they don’t occur until termites have already been there long enough to cause a lot of damage. If you wait until the signs of termites are obvious, it’s likely already too late. That’s why every property owner should take the following steps to prevent subterranean termites before they move in.
- Wood storage: Having piles of wood or other yard debris around your property is a major attractant of termites, which will burrow underneath piles and then attack from the soil. Once that source of food is gone, they will move onto structures or larger nearby plants.
- Moisture control: Termites are attracted to areas with moisture, so proper control of water buildup, both around your yard and within your walls, is crucial.
- Crack sealing: If termites are already out in your soil, they can easily find ways inside of walls if small cracks or holes can be found. You should check your exterior regularly and make repairs, but note that you can’t always account for the subterranean faults termites take advantage of.
The Best Protection From Professionals
Even preventative measures will only get you so far when it comes to termites. The only way to truly make sure they aren’t invading your property is through an inspection by trained professionals. At EnSec Pest & Lawn, our technicians know how to spot the signs of pest activity before they become dangerous. More importantly, our exterior treatments can ward off pests like termites long before they even make a home out in your yard. If you already know termites are there, you mustn’t wait before calling the experts. Act today before termite damage consumes your property.
To truly control subterranean termites, contact EnSec Pest & Lawn right away.