Finding the Culprits
One of the biggest problems with termites, damage side of course, is that it is very difficult to ever discover that you have them. Their moniker is the “silent destroyer” because they may live in your home for a very long time before ever being discovered. With no immediate damage visible, you simply don’t know they are there.
Termites need four things to survive: shelter, food, moisture, and the right temperatures. The problem is that a lot of homes provide all four things to them, whether or not the homeowner knows it. No home is totally immune to termites, although there are ways to help deter them. If you do discover termites either by suspected damage or a direct sighting, then forget about do-it-yourself measures. Your best choice is to call termite exterminators immediately to get rid of them.
Protecting Your Home
If you don’t have a termite infestation, there are many things you can do to help deter them from making a home inside of yours. Start by eliminating moisture issues, such as leaky pipes, removing excessive mulch or plant cover where moisture can develop, keep vents clear, and sealing any entry points around water and utility pipes.
Second, take away any food sources. Make sure that there is no lumber, firewood, or even paper near your home’s foundation or near crawlspaces. Stumps and other woody debris around your home can encourage termites to take up residence, so remove them. Keep an eye on your deck or fence if you have them, and if you see damage contact a pest control company. It is always best if wood from your home never comes in contact with the soil.
Signs to Look For
Termites do leave some signs that you may be able to use in order to discover a termite infestation. When a colony of termites has matured, they will be able to fly. If you see swarms of insects rising from the ground, they may be termites. They are also attracted to light and may gravitate toward any you have. This swarming behavior usually occurs during spring.
You can also tap wood to listen for hollow sounds, look for mud tubes on walls or other locations, or even discarded wings from swarms. If you see any of these things, you may want to contact a termite and pest control company to receive an evaluation. They will quickly find out if you have an infestation and let you know what steps can be taken to shut it down.