Termites could be classified as one of the peskiest pests. They typically feed on wood, but don’t be fooled: they will eat just about anything in their path. This includes, but is not limited to furniture, books, mattresses, and just about anything that is not made of steel. The wood structures you have indoors certainly are not all they will eat.
Termites can also cause terminal damage to otherwise healthy trees, flowers, and other desirable plants. Their biggest target? Your house. Termites are very good at hiding. So good, in fact, that they can go for years without being seen. This is why, if you see a winged termite anywhere in or near your home, you should immediately contact a termite control service. This is typically indicative of a much larger infestation. It could be compared to being the tip of an iceberg.
If you know you have an infestation, you should never wait to get help. Worried about the cost? Consider this. Once they start eating through the structures that hold up your house, your property value is going to start decreasing quickly. Repair costs will run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, and you’ll still have to take care of the infestation.
Termite infestations are one of the few things that you should not attempt to fix yourself. Firstly, to effectively remove a colony of termites, special knowledge is needed about where they typically hide and what amount of chemicals to use to rid them without making you or your pets ill. This is why you should hire a termite exterminator before the problem gets out of hand, or you try it yourself. Of course, once the initial infestation has been wiped out, the professional exterminator may be able to give you instructions on regular maintenance to help ensure that a similar infestation doesn’t arrive at your home at a later time.
Additionally, if you see a long pathway through anything wooden, it is not simply a sign of wear. Rather, it is the sign of a termite infestation. These small holes are the passageways that subterranean termites create as a mode of transportation. If you have these outdoors, you will need to hire a lawn care service to make sure your plants remain stable, and that they actually are allowed to retain the nutrients you give them.