Termites cause billions of dollars in damage throughout the United States every year, and few things are more worrisome to homeowners than the threat of those destructive pests infiltrating a house and chewing through the wooden structures. If you live in any state besides Alaska, you are at risk of having termites in your home. Learn about the obvious signs of termite activity, how termites silently destroy your house, and natural ways to remove factors that attract termites before the infestation becomes too difficult to take care of. If you need to get rid of termites in Santa Barbara, Jhonny's Pest Control can provide expert advice to help you regain control of your home safely and effectively.
Obvious Signs Of Termite Activity In Your Home
If you see any of the following signs of termites in your home, termites might have taken over your home already. Unfortunately, because they can be so destructive, it is crucial that you take immediate steps to get rid of them. Signs of termite activity include:
- Hollow-sounding wood
- Crumbling wood
- Termite pellets that look like ground pepper or sawdust
- Termite wings that look like fish scales
- Flying termites
- Damaged floorboards
- Small but visible holes in drywall
Termites are never a good thing to have in your home, but if you suspect that an infestation has taken over your house, you can now take steps to take care of it. Unfortunately, not all signs of termite activity are as obvious.
How Termites Silently Destroy Your House
Termites chew through wood, leaving it hollow, and the more termites chew through wood, the more it starts to break down. Active termites do not always leave visible signs of activity, which is one reason why termite damage might not be covered by your insurance company. By the time you realize that your house has been taken over by an infestation, some of the damage might be irreversible. For instance, it is not uncommon for flying termites to be mistaken for flying ants (unlike flying ants, termites have a straight waist and equally sized wings). Additionally, some termites mostly live and chew through structures underground, which is something you are unlikely to notice. And, it might be difficult to see damaged wood if it is mostly destroyed from the inside. When in doubt, it is always a good idea to contact a professional pest control company to make sure no infestation has taken hold of your property.
Contact The Professionals At The First Sign Of Termites
Whether you want to put your mind at ease or know for sure that a termite infestation is causing damage in your home, it is recommended that you contact the professionals because it is impossible to get rid of termites on your own. For the best termite treatment options for your home, Jhonny's Pest Control in Santa Barbara can take the guesswork out of your termite problems and get rid of those destructive pests safely and effectively. After telling you exactly what to expect in a termite inspection, experts with the knowledge required to tackle difficult termite problems will recommend treatments based on your unique situation, as well as the most up-to-date advice on preventing termites from coming back.
Natural Ways To Remove Factors That Attract Termites
Once your termite problems have been effectively tackled, it is important to ensure that they do not return. Here are some natural ways to remove factors that attract termites:
- Termites thrive on moisture. Keep your home as dry as possible.
- Have a professional company routinely check your foundations for subterranean termites.
- Remove all dead or rotten wood from your property.
- Do not keep piles of wood or mulch right against your home.
- Keep firewood at least 20 feet away from your home and store it several inches off the ground.
Remember that despite your best efforts, termites might still invade your home. If you’ve had a termite infestation in the past, a routine checkup by a professional company can save you a lot in the long run.
Termites cannot be controlled with natural methods, and they are unlikely to go away on their own once they have started their destructive work. If your home has a termite infestation, Jhonny's Pest Control provides Santa Barbara pest control you can rely on.