Termites are often called the “silent destroyers” of the pest world, and this is a good description of what they can do. Homeowners often overlook the signs of an infestation due to not knowing how to recognize them. Since it usually takes a long time to notice termites, they can often do a lot of damage before you have any chance to get rid of them.
There’s no need to panic, though. Our team at Pied Piper Pest Control is here to help. We’re experts in pest control in Garden City, NY, and this article will inform you about the signs you should be looking out for, the kind of damage termites can do, and some reasons why termites invade houses in the first place.
What Are The Signs Of Termites?
The most common type of termite in Garden City is the subterranean termite. Subterranean termites get their name from their tendency to hide underground when outside. They are usually between an eighth of an inch and half an inch long, and most of them have creamy white-colored bodies. Different types or castes of termites have different features; soldiers have large, dark brown heads with mandibles, and swarmers are usually dark brown to black in color and have wings.
One of the most common signs of subterranean termites is finding mud tubes on the exterior of your house. Mud tubes are tunnels made of soil and wood fragments that these termites use to reach new areas. The tunnel prevents them from drying out as they make the journey, as these termites rely heavily on moisture to survive. You may also see wood begin to darken or blister, and paint may bubble or appear uneven. Soft wood, piles of termite feces, which resemble sawdust, and discarded wings near windows and doors are other common signs of termites in your house.
How Much Damage Can Termites Cause In My Home?
Now that you know how to reliably identify subterranean termite damage on your Garden City property, let’s talk about the damage termites can do to a house. Termites are responsible for over 5 billion dollars in annual damage to homes in the United States.
A relatively small subterranean termite colony can consume several square feet of wood in a year. If this wood is structurally important, this can make your house unsafe very quickly. A subterranean termite infestation could potentially even lead to collapse if you don’t deal with it fast enough.
Why Does My House Have Termites?
So what attracts termites to homes in the first place, and how do you keep them from being attracted to yours? The two factors that attract subterranean termites to a home are moisture and a reliable source of food. Every home in the United States contains wood, so a house is an almost infinite buffet for termites. To keep termites away, here are some things you can do:
- Use gutters and downspouts to divert water away from your house.
- Inspect the exterior of your home frequently for mud tubes.
- Reduce humidity in your home as much as possible.
- Minimize wood contact with the soil wherever you can.
These tips should help you keep termites at bay. If you do find yourself facing these pests, however, you still have options.
How Can I Permanently Control Termites?
For over 20 years, Pied Piper Pest Control has been providing the highest-quality termite control service in Garden City. When you need termite removal, you can always count on us.
Our team is highly trained and equipped with everything they need to make termite control possible no matter what the circumstances. For peace of mind, contact Pied Piper Pest Control today!
I've been using this company a year now and couldn't be more satisfied. Idk why I haven't left one before. They're prompt and no matter the issue, he has always resolved it. Thank you for keeping my wife safe from the little mosters.
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