Heritage Pest Control, your trusted New Jersey pest control team, is here to help. Let's take a look at the most common signs of termites, what causes them to infest your home, and what you can do to keep them from becoming a problem.
You're Not Likely To See A Termite: How To Identify Signs Of Activity
Termites are small, ranging in size from 1/2 to 1 inch long, depending on the species. Their small size makes it difficult to spot them, especially since they burrow into wood in dark, warm, and hidden spaces. It's highly unlikely that you'll see termites crawling around your home like you might with other pests. Instead, you'll need to look for evidence of termites around your property.
Some signs that may signal termites may be infesting your property include the following:
- Squeaky floors
- Windows and doors that won't open
- Piles of mud around the foundation outside
- Peeling paint
- Small holes in your drywall
These are just some of the common signs that you have termites living in your home. If you notice even one, it's best to schedule an appointment with a trusted termite control specialist.
Understanding The Termite Threat: Why Termites Infest Homes
Termites infest homes because they're looking for a reliable source of food, water, and shelter. When conditions outside the home are no longer ideal, termites will start looking for new places to live nearby. For many termite colonies, this means entering nearby homes and looking for food and water in the walls. If you have dripping or leaking pipes, a damp basement, or rooms with high humidity levels, termites may gravitate to them.
Once inside, these insects feed on cellulose inside wood-based products and will happily chow down on wooden supports, furniture, and cardboard boxes alike. As they feed, they create hollow grooves in the wood, weakening the wood and leading to many of the signs discussed earlier.
Protecting Your Property: Effective Termite Prevention Methods
Luckily, it's possible to keep termites away from your home. You just need to know what to do. Here are a few proven termite prevention tips you can implement immediately:
- Make your home inaccessible: Seal cracks in your foundation and siding as soon as possible to make it harder for them to sneak inside.
- Get rid of dying or dead trees: Termites love to infest dying or dead trees since they often provide the nutrients and shelter they need to thrive. However, the closer those trees are to your home, the more likely termites will move indoors. Have a tree service remove any dead or dying trees from your property.
- Schedule regular inspections: The sooner you catch an infestation, the easier it is to get rid of termites before they do serious damage. Schedule professional inspections at least once each year.
By following these simple tips, you'll greatly reduce the risk of termite infestations in and around your home.
Professional Termite Control: Long-Term Termite Control And Protection
Though implementing termite prevention methods around your home can help reduce the risk of infestations, they're not always enough. You'll still want to schedule a professional termite control appointment if you think termites may be on your property.
The team at Heritage Pest Control is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and see the difference that professional termite control can make in maintaining the safety and condition of your home.