Signs Your Home Is Termite Infested
What is Termite Infestation?
Termites can be a problem for your home, business or even office. They eat wood and make it weak, thus making it easy for them to invade and infest your property. What can be worse is that they do not always leave their original place, but multiply instead of dying like other pests such as roaches or ants. Because of this, it may be important to look for early signs that your home is termite infested. Once their population gets high enough, they spread out and consume the entire area you're living in.
Signs of Termite Infestation
Tunnels and Nests
Termites are known for their ability to create mud tunnels. These tunnels help them move around more easily and protect their bodies from drying out. The most common place to find these tunnels is close to the foundation, and near the edges of the wall. If you discover a termite tunnel, cut it open and expose the termites inside.
Swarmers and Abandoned Wings
Some termites are large enough to fly and some can even shed wings. You will find these flying termites near window panes or other areas where it is warm and dark. Be sure to keep an eye out for their presence so you can get rid of them before they cause more damage.
Damaged Wooden Structures
Check the corners and edges of your wooden furniture, cabinet doors and drawer fronts. You may find visible cracks called dryvines that allow termites to gain access and feed off your house. Look under kitchen and bathroom sinks, in the bottom of cabinets and on floor studs. Termites can travel through these spaces, where pipes connect with the home's foundation slab.
Trails on Walls
If you notice any holes or tunnels in your plaster walls or wallpaper, then chances are it has been done so by termites. Another sign is the presence of mud filled into these holes. If both these factors are present, then you have termite infestation.
Musty Smells
Don't mistake the musty and foul smell for dirty laundry, it could be termites. These buggers can leave behind a trail of stench that can be hard to get rid of.
TIPS TO PREVENT TERMITE INFESTATIONS
While termite infestations can develop out of nowhere, there are a few ways to prevent termites from eating away your home. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Check for the presence of moisture and humidity around crawl spaces. You can invest in a dehumidifier for this purpose.
2. Reduce the contact of soil and wood in your home. Keep plants in sturdy pots and place them away from wooden structures.
3. Fix leaking pipes and faucets. Leaky pipes can allow moisture accumulation and encourage the growth of termites.
4. If you live in an area prone to termite infestations, then regularly treat your home and have a professional inspection carried out. Prevention is always a wise decision and can save you from a lot of damage later on.
5. Avoid storing firewood against the house. They are the most common cause of termite infestations and termites thrive inside unattended firewood.
How to get rid of Termites Effectively
At Best Home & Property Services, we specialize in the detection and treatment of termites. We even provide free inspections to get started and have the most affordable rates in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
