Do you know how much damage termites in Portsmouth can do? You've probably heard about termites and know they are destructive pests, but the reality of these infestations often doesn't hit until faced with one yourself. On average, a termite problem costs a few thousand dollars in repairs, but sometimes, this number is much higher.
Instead of waiting around for termites and assuming they won't ever be a problem, you can take proactive steps to prevent them. Termite control isn't complicated if you focus on prevention. Read on to get termite prevention tips from the Freedom Pest Control experts.
The Life Cycle Of Termites
To deter termites, you need to know a few things about these pests and how they reproduce. There are three main kinds of termites in the colony: workers, soldiers, and swarmers. The workers are responsible for building nests and tending to the eggs while the soldiers defend the queen. The swarmers, on the other hand, are responsible for reproduction.
These swarmers are the only termites that occasionally leave the nest as they "swarm" together above ground for around half an hour, looking for new places to breed. Termites usually swarm sometime between spring and fall during termite season.
One of the best signs of termites is seeing termite swarmers or their discarded wings. The other termites rarely leave the colony and don't have wings.
The Extent Of Damage Termites Can Create In Your Home
The most common termite in Portsmouth is the subterranean termite. These termites create their nests underground in the soil. They build mud tubes to get inside homes; the more soil-to-wood contact around your house, the easier it is for them to get inside.
Once they get inside, the termites eat through wooden objects as they consume the cellulose fibers inside of wood. They often damage floors, support beams, wooden frames, and more. While the damage does take a while to accumulate, termites can destroy a building in around eight years.
Factors That Attract To Termites To Your Home
The primary way termites get inside homes is through soil-to-wood contact, seeking out areas with high humidity. Subterranean termites thrive in moisture-laden environments, so the more leaky faucets or water-damaged wood you have, the more likely you will be termites.
The best way to prevent termites is through ongoing Portsmouth pest control services, but you can also take some steps to deter them by reducing the factors that attract them.
You can start by discarding rotten or damaged wood and then work to reduce humidity by fixing plumbing problems. Finally, one of the best ways to keep termites out is to install a barrier between the home's foundation and the soil. You can also get help with this task from the pest control professionals at Freedom Pest Control.
The Importance Of On-Going Professional Termite Protection
While there are some measures you can take on your own to keep termites out, they are still sneaky, invasive, and destructive pests. The best way to protect your house from a termite infestation is with assistance from Freedom Pest Control.
We provide termite inspections that are the most effective way to spot a termite problem early on. And, if you're already living with termites inside your home, we also offer removal services. Termites are incredibly invasive and nearly impossible to eradicate using DIY methods.
Call us today at Freedom Pest Control to request an inspection and get started with effective termite control.