Do you know how to look for and prevent termite damage to your home?
Subterranean Termites are a huge problem across the United States, and the high humidity of our coastal area makes it a particularly attractive home for subterranean termites, who build colonies in the soil. Not only do these critters eat continuously, but they often go undetected for months or years. According to the National Pest Management Association, termites cost Americans more than $5 billion in annual damage. Local homeowners should be concerned about potential termite damage and know the signs.
How do you know if you have termites?
Look for Swarms
Termites are most visible in the spring, although they are active all year. “Swarmers” are seen in the spring, when reproductive termites come out of the ground to mate and create new termite colonies. This is the easiest time of year to spot termites – so if you see flying insects or “discarded wings” call a termite specialist.
Tap your trim!
Does it sound hollow? Termites could be damaging your wood from the inside out. Since termites prefer humid, dark spaces, they could be hiding. If your wood sounds hollow when tapped, you could have a problem. Get it checked out!
Check for mud tubes on your foundation. Subterranean termites like to build little tunnels on the outside of walls so that they can stay damp while they look for food. If you see them, you may have a problem.
What can you do to prevent them?
Do not store firewood near your house’s foundation.
It can create moisture and termites love to live in firewood. Then they can take a short walk to your house. Be careful when mulching near the house, for the same reason.
Clean your gutters & downspouts to give termites one less food source.
If you already suspect that you have termites or see signs of termite damage, call a professional. Protect your biggest investment!
Griggs & Browne is a professional pest control company with offices in:
Providence, RI // 1-800-924-8886, Waterford, CT // 1-800-962-3296
Abington, MA // 1-800-244-1012, Buzzards Bay, MA // 1-800-339-2212
As them about the Sentricon Termite Colony Elimination System® which uses eco-friendly bait to kill the entire colony. www.griggsbrowne.com
Sponsored Content
My parents have a firewood pile near our house and I am concerned that it could lead to termites. However, my parents aren’t concerned, because it is on cement and leaning on a brick wall at the side of our home. I believe that this is still pretty close to our foundation and so do you think that it is still a risk?
This is some great information, and I appreciate your advice to store firewood away from your house to prevent termite problems. I have a termite infestation in my home right now, and I’m going to have a professional come and take care of it. I had my firewood stored in the carport right next to the house, so I’ll definitely move that out farther to try and prevent this problem in the future. Thanks for the great post!
I’m worried about termites and want to make sure my house doesn’t have any. I had no idea that termites are most visible in the spring. Something else to consider is to get a professional to inspect your house to make sure there are no termites.
Thanks for sharing these great tips. For those with more serious problems it helps to have professional pest control services to eliminate infestations.
Great read.
Nice suggestion and info about to subterranean termites. We are really worry about this problem and i am pretty sure this article will help us in termite control.