Termites are among the most notorious household pests. Recent estimates indicate that termites cause over $5 billion worth of property damage annually. Your dream home could be ruined if termites ever invade it.
Taking action as soon as possible is a must if you want to stop termites from devastating your home. To do that, you need to know the signs that termites have already infiltrated your household. Here, we discuss those warning signs and ways to prevent termite infestations.
How Can I Tell if I Have Termites?
The early signs you have termites can be easy to miss because you may mistakenly associate them with different issues. If you see these warning signs emerge right around the same time, there’s a good chance that you’re dealing with termites.
Damaged Wood and/or Drywall
Termites will tear through wood and drywall.
Upon discovering that your drywall has small holes in it, you should take that as the first potential indicator that you have termites. Termites are also known for causing discolored drywall.
A termite infestation could also explain why portions of your wooden walls are crumbling to dust. You can also try knocking on your wooden walls to check their condition. Walls that sound hollow have likely been damaged by termites.
Noisy, Buckling, or Loose Floors
You can also look down in search of signs of a termite infestation.
Wooden floors that have become noticeably squeakier may be byproducts of termites. You can say the same thing about buckling floors because termites typically introduce plenty of moisture to any area they infest.
Tile floors are not safe from those pests. The tiles resting on your subfloor may start to come loose as the termites introduce more and more moisture to that area.
Doors and Windows That Are Harder To Open
Doors and windows are among the parts of your home that termites may target first because of how exposed they are. You can tell that the termites have attacked those spots if your doors and windows become harder to open. They are likely harder to open now because their frames have been warped by the termites’ attacks.
How To Prevent Termite Damage
Your home does not have to be left vulnerable to a termite infestation. Keep your home safe by following the tips in this section.
Nikhil More, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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Minimize Opportunities for Termites to Gather Near Your Property
Termites like to live in firewood piles, shrubs, and overgrown plants. If you have any of those near your home, you should get rid of them quickly. Eliminate those potential termite habitats so you can drive those pests away from your property.
Eliminate Potential Access Points Leading to Your Home
You may be unwittingly inviting termites into your home by leaving openings available. Termites can enter through small cracks and openings, so patch those up to keep them away. Even cracks along your foundation should be sealed.
Remember to look up as well because there may be overhanging tree branches leading to your property. You must do something about those branches if you wish to rid your home of termites.
Ask Exterminators To Remove the Termites
If you’re worried that you might not get all the termites in your home, you should ask an exterminator to eliminate them. Calling an exterminator is a great idea even if the infestation is still in its early days. That way, you can stop the termites from ever causing significant damage to your property.
Quick action is key to effectively fighting against termite infestations. Keep an eye out for the signs of an infestation and act quickly when you spot them so you can save your home from potential damage.