What makes termites so incredibly frustrating is that they are known to cause billions of dollars in property damage yearly and do it largely undetected.
Spotting the signs of termites in your house may be effective at stopping an existing infestation, but what if the damage has already been done to your home?
That’s why regular termite inspections are so important, especially compared to other pests. Let’s discuss the impact that regular termite inspections can have from our experience and detail some telltale infestation signs to look out for.
Why Do Termites Enter Your Home?
First, let’s answer why termites would ever come to your home in the first place.
Termites are attracted to wood, and most houses built in the United States contain some wood components, especially in the frame. This automatically attracts termites, but they will also enter a home searching for food, such as cellulose, and safe spaces to build their nests. Therefore, we always recommend homeowners keep a clean home and seal any cracks and crevices to keep termites away.
Signs of Termite Damage
There are several undeniable signs of termite damage, but they can be easily overlooked if you don’t know what to look for. Some telltale signs of a termite infestation in the home include:
- Hollow-sounding wood when tapped
- Buckling or sagging floors
- Mud tubes or tunnels on walls or foundation
- Discarded wings near windows or light sources
- Small holes in wood surfaces
- Cracked or bubbling paint on wood surfaces
- Pin-sized holes in drywall
- Accumulation of sawdust-like frass
- Uneven or bubbling paint on walls
- Difficult to open or close windows or doors
- Termite droppings (small pellets)
- Sagging or weakened wooden structures
- Blistered or distorted areas on wooden surfaces
- Hollowed-out wooden beams or furniture
In each termite colony, insects are known as “swarmers” that leave the colony to mate and produce their own colonies. These swarmers can be identified by their six legs and straight antennae, as well as their wings. Swarmers often appear in various colors, ranging from black and dark brown to beige or tan and even red.
Identifying swarmers early is key in stopping termite colonies, as termites outside your house can spread colonies across your property.
However, these signs may not be as obvious as you think and can often be attributed to water damage, foundation damage, or other natural events. So when it comes time to inspect for termites, you need to have the right tools and knowledge at your disposal to pinpoint the source of an infestation.
Identifying Swarmers
Tools for Termite Inspection
Pest control professionals have several tools at their disposal to help them identify termites, including some basic tools and some advanced ones, such as flashlights, probing tools, borescopes, motion detection devices, moisture meters, and termite bait stations. Therefore, we highly recommend most homeowners undergo one annual or semi-annual termite inspection from a professional with the right tools at their disposal.
The Importance of Professional Termite Inspections
While you should definitely keep an eye out for any signs of termite damage in and around your home, a formal inspection by a pest control professional is always best. An experienced pest control expert will have the tools and knowledge to be able to properly identify the severity of an infestation, as well as come up with a unique plan of action to get rid of the termites for good.
In turn, regular termite inspections can:
- Save you money.
- Keep your home safe.
- Keep your wooden furniture safe.
DIY Termite Prevention Tips
There is no greater form of prevention than inspection, but there are several DIY approaches you can take to prevent termites, including:
- Install termite barriers
- Prevent wood from contacting soil
- Seal cracks
- Keep homes and yards clean
- Fix leaks
If you suspect termite damage, it’s important to contact a professional pest control service for a thorough inspection and appropriate treatment. The experts at The Pest Rangers are standing by to solve any termite infestation you have on your hands and prevent them from doing any more damage.
FAQs
Is it necessary to inspect for termites regularly, even with no visible signs?
Even if you see no visible signs of termite damage to your home, it can be a good idea to have routine inspections performed annually. Older homes tend to be more at risk for termites, so it is better to be safe than sorry and enlist the help of a trusted pest control company to conduct regular inspections.
Can I use DIY methods to eliminate termite infestations on my own?
While there are several DIY methods you can try to get rid of termites in your home, these pests are notoriously difficult and should be taken care of by a professional. By taking matters into your own hands, you risk not eliminating the problem completely or even making things worse, so it is always best to reach out to a trusted pest control company to get the job done.
How much does a professional termite inspection typically cost?
While a typical termite inspection can run between $50-$300, many pest control companies offer free termite inspections to earn your business. From there, our pest control professional will be able to give you a price quote for treatment based on the severity of the infestation.
How long does a termite inspection usually take?
A termite inspection can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours, depending on how complex the infestation is and the size of your home. The time it takes will also likely depend on the pest control company you choose and the tools they use to diagnose an infestation.