Tracking Troubling Termites

Are you thinking about purchasing a new home? Are you thinking about renovating your current home? Do you keep a lot of firewood lying around your property? If you answered yes to all of the above, it may be time to conduct an inspection for Termites. Thirteen percent of homeowners experience termite damage. Twenty-two percent experience structural damage as a result of termite infestation. Your home could easily be next if you don't know the signs of termite damage.

Spotting the Droplets

If you are experiencing a pest or termite infestation of any kind, one of the easiest clues to spot will be pest droppings. Termites eat wood so their droppings tend to resemble saw dust or coffee grounds.

Wing Stop

Another way to track termites in your home is their wings. Termites shed their wings when they find a suitable mate just like a snake sheds it's skin. If you find the wings on the front porches or in any of the windows, you may be looking at a big problem.

Undercover Mud Tubes

Termites are also smart enough to use mud tubes to navigate more easily from their colony to the main food source. You can discover these secret tunnels in the ground surrounding your property or the wood in the home structure. Another great way to prevent termites is tree trimming and clean gutters. When you allow leaves and branches to clog your gutters and cover your roof, it can easily become a magnet for termites.

They Swarm When Warm

Spring time is mating season for termites. Termites tend to swarm when they're about to create a colony. If you discover a swarm, an infestation is sure to follow. Prospective homeowners can save money in the long run by scheduling pest control inspections in the early stages that may allow for termite treatment during negotiations. Termite treatment could also mean not keeping woodpiles, firewood, foliage, or mulch too close to the home because they attract termites.

When the damage is done, termites can cost you tons of money and most people discover the signs of termite damage when it's too late. Avoid being a statistic and be proactive. The structural damage they cause is not covered by Homeowner's Insurance. Do the right thing and make sure you're covered.