What is the largest thing you own that is made primarily out of wood? Your home, right? This is the case for most people. Wood is relatively cheap, easily transported, and a sustainable resource. It is also tasty to termites. Here in Merrimac, subterranean termites are a big problem. These pests regularly invade area properties and cause extensive damage to wooden structures. If you don’t want these pests to consume your home and its equity, this is what you need to know to control them.
What Are Subterranean Termites?
Subterranean termites are the most common species of termites here in Merrimac and across the United States. These hungry insects build large social nests underground near sources of gatherable cellulose. What is “gatherable cellulose?" Usually, it is structures of wood that are water damaged, rotting, or in decay. Cellulose is also found in wet cardboard, newspaper, leaves, and other wood-like or wood-based items.
Signs Of A Termite Infestation
One thing subterranean termites are known for is their ability to destroy wood without being noticed. If these pests are infesting your home, here are some signs to look for to know they are around.
- Mud tubes crawling up your home’s exterior foundation
- Overly-squeaky floorboards
- Tight-fitting doors and windows
- Water-damaged/sagging drywall
- Bubbling paint or wallpaper
- Dipping floors and ceilings
- Buckling support beams
- Visible pathways inside structural wood
Something you should keep in mind is that most signs termites leave behind only occur after they have been destroying a home for years. If you wait till these clues show up to handle these pests around your property, you will be left with a hefty repair bill.
Termite Swarmers
When termite colonies grow to max capacity, they start producing what are called termite swarmers. Nests send out these winged reproductive members to search for new locations to build and feed. If you start seeing dark ant-like pests with long oval-shaped wings around your property or inside your home, know that a colony of termites is nearby.
Some DIY Prevention Tips For Termites
If your home is termite-free and you want to keep it that way, you need to put in place preventative measures. This usually involves DIY or hiring a pest control professional. If you want to try to prevent these pests on your own, here are some great places to start.
- Remove dead trees, stumps, leaf litter, sticks, and other organic debris from your yard.
- Clean up wet cardboard, newspaper, and other wood-based items around your home and property.
- Avoid using wood-based mulch on your property, especially near your foundation.
- Make sure there is a non-wood barrier between exterior soil and your home’s wood.
- Repair or replace structural wood around your home that is water-damaged, rotting, or in decay.
- Fill in gaps and cracks in your home’s exterior foundation using a caulking gun or some liquid cement.
- Repair damage to window/door screens and make sure all of your exterior doors have door sweeps.
The Benefits Of Professional Termite Control
DIY helps to deter termites but it is not the most reliable method to keep these pests off your property. At Freedom Pest Control, we don’t just deter termites, we create a lasting defense grid to eliminate these destructive insects before they are able to get inside and cause trouble. Monitoring pest pressures on your property, we will make sure termites are never allowed an opportunity to severely damage your home’s wood.
Call us today if you have any questions about our termite control or if you would like to schedule your Merrimac property for a detailed termite inspection. Our team will make sure the job gets done right the first time.