Termites can cause a significant
amount of damage to your biggest asset - your home. Damage can be minor to
major, up to and including structural damage. Because the damage can be so
extensive, it's important that you know what to look for in order to avoid the
high cost of repairing the damage that termites can cause.
Swarmers
Termite colonies have different
categories of workers, similar to ants. If you've got termites, the first thing
you may notice is the swarmers. They look a little like winged ants with a
thick middle and straight antennae. Swarmers have left their colony looking to
start their own.
Discarded
wings
The problem with swarmers is that you
may see a couple of individuals but not see the swarm. When they find a place
to mate and start colonies, their wings fall off. The places to look for wings
are where they are likely to congregate - in spider webs and corners of window
sills, just to name a couple.
Wood
damage
Wood damaged by termites sounds hollow
when you knock on it. If you think it may be termite damaged, you might even be
able to push your finger through the affected piece.
Cracked
wood surfaces
Swarmers can enter wood through very
small openings. Make sure to look for cracks in your home’s foundation, near
roof siding, vents and windows. Make sure to seal any cracks.
Mud
tubes
Termites build air-tight mud tubes out
of soil and plant life to protect themselves from sunlight. Check the
foundation of your home around joists and beams for mud tubes, which will be a
brownish color and about a centimeter in diameter.
Frass
Frass is the droppings produced by
drywood termites as they eat their way through infested wood.
Termites pose a serious threat to your
biggest investment – your home. If you're considering selling your home, a
positive termite inspection can cost you a sale.
If you spot any of the signs, call an
exterminator immediately to analyze the extent of the damage. A termite
specialist will recommend a customized treatment and prevention plan, which may
include liquid repellants, wood treatments, baits and fumigation of the entire
structure. It is absolutely essential that you not let a colony become
established in your home.
No comments:
Post a Comment