Seven Reasons We Do Not Like Termites
Termites can really rattle your peace of mind when they infest your home. Not only can they wreak serious havoc, but they’re hard to spot and deal with. That’s why the experts have compiled seven reasons why termite infestations are an unwanted house guest, and what to do if termites do decide to make your home their own.
1. Termites Are Masters of Hiding
You’ve got to know where the source is coming from, right, before you can solve any problem. The problem with termites is they are nearly invisible. In general, they live underground, and sneak around through concealed mud tunnels. They also chew up inside walls, beams and frames all the places we can’t see. If you don’t know what signs to look for mud tubes, termite droppings known as “frass,” flying termites you could easily miss the infestation.
Sometimes the harm termites create may appear to be nothing more than wear and tear perhaps a door that sticks, some flaking paint or dust on a windowsill. Unlike ants or cockroaches, that roam around freely, termites are discreet eaters.
2. Termites Work Around the Clock
Termites work seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Other pests may be clever or strong, but termites are the working class of the insect world. Worker termites forage for food 24 hours a day, and feed the rest of the termite colony. More worker termites are released daily, expanding the colony. From the busy department because when it comes to termites, a lag in treatment can rapidly turn a small problem into a major infestation.
3. Termites Cause Serious Damage to Your Home and Furniture
Termites eat away at the very structure of your home. They adore eating wood and cellulose-based materials, and perhaps you have already guessed by now…
They gnaw on foundations, beams and wooden furniture
Mud Trails on Walls Walls could appear dirty and messy with mud tubes
Doors and windows may become stuck or not close properly
Paint may peel or bubble
Canopies and floors may weaken or collapse
Walls could crack, posing safety hazards.
Floors may bulge or pull away from the subfloor.
Not only are these damages expensive to repair, they can also destroy the appearance and comfort of your home. Damaged furniture or carpentry work is difficult and costly to fix.
4. Termites Travel and Spread Quickly
Termites don’t just stay put. Their colonies can spread in all directions up, over and even up to higher floors in apartment buildings or homes with decks. And that your neighbor’s termite problem can become yours. Since they have to construct tunnels to move, termites can infest several units, or even a whole property, and move from one section to another.
5. Termites Can Be Confused with Ants
Many people mistakenly identify termites as ants, because they do look rather similar, especially flying termites, which look like flying ants, or even flies. Termites do not have the pinched waists that ants do, nor do they have the elbows in their antennae, but it is easy to be mistaken if you don’t know. This may hamper appropriate detection and control of termites.
6. Most DIY Remedies Don’t Work on Termites
Orange oil, spices and essential oils might do the trick to keep some pests at bay, but termites are an entirely different story. Since they live several feet underground or inside people’s homes it is difficult for these treatments to get to them. And termite colonies are massive and well-organized, so half-hearted treatments frequently don’t solve the problem they just allow the infestation to grow.
7. Termite Control Needs Professional Help
If you do see termites, it may not be the best idea to try to handle the issue yourself. And don’t attempt to wash away mud tubes or spray bug killer willy-nilly. In some cases, that can actually exacerbate the problem by drawing moisture, or spreading termites even more. Instead, photograph any suspicious signs and contact a termite specialist to conduct a thorough evaluation and prescribe a custom treatment plan.
What You Need to Know About Termite Control
Treating termites isn’t just a quick, once-and-done deal. Professionals will start by thoroughly checking your home, and in some cases may use high-tech tools, such as microwave detection, to locate hidden termites. Treatment can differ depending on the type of termite subterranean termites require different treatment than do drywood termites.
It could take a while, though, particularly in larger houses or for more thorough treatments. A targeted “spot injection” can sometimes kick in more quickly, but full protection often demands a more thorough treatment.
Quality termite treatments will gives a lasting protection commonly for 5 – 10 years. This treatment contains unique active ingredients that disrupt the termite’s ability to feed and spread, and is also safe for you, your family, pets, and the environment.
Options for Termite Treatments
Several methods can be used for the control of termites like :
Structural pre-treatments of pre-construction barriers to reduce the possibility of infestation before your house is built.
Injecting around Foundation of House after building.
Termite bait and monitoring systems for early colony detection and elimination
Spot treatments for the areas that need extra love
'Foaming' treatments formulated for drywood termites; to reach into the wood
Routine termite inspections (prior to purchasing or selling a building/Home)
Keep in Mind: Termite Control Needs Ongoing Care
It’s true of even the best termite treatments; they should be refreshed about every five to seven years. Regular inspections are necessary because the pests can return, especially if your home is moist or dense with wood. Keeping up with maintenance can help you avoid expensive repairs later down the line.
How Much Does Termite Treatment Cost?
Prices vary depending on:
The species and severity of the termite infestation
Your home’s size and design
The type of intervention that is selected
The termite species involved
The costs can run from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Don’t just look at the sticker price when considering a pest-control company. Take into account their reputation, experience, technology, customer service and warranty to ensure the best value and long-lasting protection.
Termites are tiny and stubborn creatures that compound an even greater problem over if left untreated. Recognizing those signs and bringing in the pros early can save your home, your pocketbook and your sanity. It’s never too early to seek professional help if you think you have termites!
Edge Termite Treatment Midvale offers all pest control services in Midvale and surroundings. Feel free to contact us at (08) 6275 6528 or visit our website:
