Every spring between the months of March and May, winged termites, called swarmers, begin to emerge in large numbers from their various winter shelters. Some nest in old tree stumps and trees, while others form large colonies in homes and buildings, eating away at walls and structural supports. Feeding primarily on living and seasoned wood, these destructive pests cause billions in property damage each year, and infestation is often a major obstacle for homeowners looking to put their property on the market. Here are some helpful tips to determine if your home is infested with termites, and what you can do about it if you do have an infestation on your hands.
How Can I Tell if my Home is Infested?
Termites are small black six-legged insects resembling ants except in their thorax shape and straight antennae. Most termites also emerge with wings capable of taking them to distant destinations in order to form colonies. Seeing winged termites outside does not necessarily your home is infested, but if you are seeing winged termites indoors, chances are your home is infested and in need of immediate treatment. Sometimes you will also spot mud tubes extending up from floors along walls and in corners of basements or other low traffic areas of the house. These tubes are termite colonies, and are proof-positive that your home is infested. If you spot winged termites indoors or mud tubes anywhere in your home, you should immediately contact an exterminator or pest control specialist to come out and do an inspection. Left unchecked, termite colonies in a home can cause severe structural damage that is costly and time consuming to repair.
What Can I do About a Termite Infestation?
Getting rid of a termite infestation effectively requires specialized skills and training, as well as a lot of specialized, purpose-specific equipment. Experts are best acquainted with how and where termites are likely to invade, and many of these ingress points are hidden and difficult to access. Vast quantities of a liquid pesticide called termiticide must be used to rid a home of infestation. Professional infestation treatment is highly recommended in all cases of home infestation to make sure that the termite threat is eradicated.
How do I Know What Pest Control Company to Choose?
This can be a somewhat complex process, but the ground rules for selection are extremely simple. Your termite control agency should be licensed by the US Department of Agriculture for regulation and control of termite infestations, and they should be a firm recognized for the extensive experience and knowledge of termite control. Research pest control in your area with these factors in mind.
If you suspect your home is infested, don’t wait to call a pest control service immediately. The sooner your termite problem is under control, the less likely it is that your home will suffer severe long term damage.
