Termites have been given the nickname “silent destroyers,” earning this title through their ability to cause extensive damage without alerting people to their presence. It is estimated that these pests cause more than five billion dollars in damage across the United States annually, most of which your insurance won’t cover.
Even if we don’t like them, termites have an important role in the ecosystem. These pests help promote the growth of forests and other natural areas by decomposing trees and aerating soil. Decomposing dead trees adds nutrients to the soil, and aerating the soil allows more water and nutrients to reach the root systems of trees and plants.
Along with their value to the ecosystem, termites also provide a valuable food source to people across the world. They can be a quality source of nutrients for people in rural areas who struggle to find reliable food sources. Uncooked, they taste like pineapple, while cooked termites taste like vegetables. Some cultures even consider them a delicacy.
How To Spot An Infestation
Termites do most of their damage in areas of your home that are hard to spot. Infestations usually start underground or inside walls, meaning that termite damage can go unnoticed for long periods of time, making the damage they do worse.
While they usually aren’t obvious, there are some ways you can spot a termite infestation. Here are some signs to lookout for that may indicate the presence of termites:
- The presence of swarmers on your property or discarded wings from these termites indicate these exploratory termites have made it onto your property. These termites are often mistaken for flying ants. If you are unsure, call a professional.
- Frass, a fine, sawdust-like substance that is actually termite excrement. It is usually found near holes in wood.
- Mud tubes. These tubes are found on your home’s foundation and exterior walls. They are built by subterranean termites to travel between their colony and their food source.
- Damaged wood. Wood that is darkened, softening, sounds hollow when it is tapped, and paint or wallpaper that is bubbled or blistering can all indicate the presence of termites.
Seeing any of these signs around your home can mean you have an active termite infestation that requires quick treatment.
These signs can be great indicators of a termite problem, but there is no substitute for annual termite inspections for your home. Our highly trained technicians know exactly where to look for signs of a termite infestation. If you think you have termites or just want peace of mind that your home is termite-free, call today for a free inspection.
Can I DIY Termite Control?
If you see signs of termites, it may be tempting to try to handle it on your own. A 30-second online search gives you plenty of cheap tricks you can try. Options like sprays, foams, boric acid, saltwater solutions, tea tree oil, or other natural remedies may seem cheaper and tempting to try. These solutions may keep termites away or kill them, but they are usually providing an incomplete solution. If you don’t know where to look to find every termite, they will just repopulate, continue the infestation, and continue quietly destroying your home from within.
Call The Professionals
With all the damage they can cause and money they can cost, termite control should be left to the professionals. At Jay Taylor Exterminating, our trained service technicians can spot even the smallest signs of termites. After determining if termites are present on your property and what species you are dealing with, we will work quickly to eliminate the infestation before it grows.
Termite damage can happen quickly and quietly. Call us today for a free inspection and termite control estimate to keep your home protected.