Nothing will damage your property as termites do. They will surely not bite you, spread any dangerous disease, or affect your day-to-day routine in any way, but will try to hide in your home and gradually destroy it. They chew on the wooden structure that is keeping your house strong and keep on chewing until there is nothing left.
Termites are nature’s recyclers. They feed on dead trees and finish them off. However, once they invade residential properties, they start feeding on nicely dried lumber and cause billions of dollars in damage around the country every year.
It is reported that the number of termite infestations grows every year. Thousands of homeowners are contacting professional pest control companies like Colonial Pest Control to handle the situation. After all, you cannot control termite infestation by yourself, and hence hiring a professional for pest control Maryville TN is the best option.
Tennessee Termites
There are more than 2000 species of termites around the globe. However, the ones that are found in Maryville homes are the following:
Subterranean termites
They are pretty small in size, but they multiply in numbers very quickly. They are known to live in colonies with over 1,00,000 members. They are about 1/8 of an inch long and have long narrow bodies of brown or black color.
Drywood termites
They are comparatively bigger and have creamy white to light brown body color. This species of termite reside in colonies of above 2500 members and feed on dry woods. This makes them the ones that can damage our property the most.
Formosan termites
These termite species are comparatively new in North America, but they are spreading very quickly. They are so far the most aggressive termite species found in the US.
Is your home infested?
There are many ways to detect termite infestation. However, some of the sure-shot signs that you should look for are:
- Hollow-sounding lumber
- Termite marked wood
- Blistering paint
- Mud tubes that lead up to your property
- Small holes in wood
- Little piles of termite frass that look exactly like sawdust
Termite infestations in many Maryville homes remain uncovered for years. This is because they are very silent insects. They make no fuss or mess and silently keep on feeding on the wood in your house without even you noticing them. If you have a doubt about termite infestation but are unable to see any clear signs, it is best to call in a professional and get your house inspected.
Preventative steps
The easiest way to avoid termite infestation is to take preventative steps while there is time. The following steps will help you in keeping those tiny crawlers out of your home.
- Seal the exterior wall thoroughly to avoid termites from getting in.
- Ensure there is no moisture accumulated on the exterior and interior walls.
- If you have leaking pipes or faucets in the house, give them due attention. Moisture attracts termites.
- Any wood that comes in contact with soil should be treated well with approved chemicals.
- If there is a fireplace in the house, ensure storing the extra wood away from the property.
Lastly, if none of the preventative measures worked, and you are struggling with termite infestation, contact a professional pest control company today.
