3 Thing to Do If You Think Your Home Has Termites

in Property & Architecture

While some household pests are just a nuisance to see or have around, others can cause some serious damage to those living in your home or to the structural integrity of your home itself. One of these pests is the termite. Without proper management and eradication, termites can make your home unsafe for you and your family to live in.

So to help you keep your home and family safe, here are three things you should do if you think your home had termites.

Learn the Signs of Infestation

Before you just assume that your home has a termite infestation, you should first know the signs of this issue so you can base your concern on something valid.

According to Natalie Way, a contributor to Realtor.com, some of the most common signs that you have termites in your home and that they’re causing damage include seeing grouping of insects with wings or piles of discarded wings around your home, noticing cracks or distorted paint on your wood surfaces, seeing small mud tubes on your home’s exterior walls, noticing that the wood of your home sounds more hollow than it should, and seeing piles of termite’s wood-colored droppings called frass.

If you have noticed any or all of these things going on around your home, there’s a very good chance that you’ve got a serious issue with termites taking place.

Determine What Kind of Termites You Have

Once you’ve discovered that you do, in fact, have a problem with termites in your home, your next step should be to try to determine what kind of termites you’re dealing with. Knowing this is crucial for coming up with a strategy to get rid of them.

Chrissy Callahan, a contributor to Today.com, shares that there are two main types of termites: subterranean and drywood termites. With the subterranean termites, you’ll see the tell-tale signs of small mud tubes either on or around your home. However, drywood termites are more subtle—and much more common. Luckily, if you can identify the type of termites you have all on your own, a professional will be able to assist you with this.

Get Professional Help

While a lot of other types of pests can easily be treated by the homeowner, most issues with termites are best left to a professional to take care of.

When doing this, Pests.org shares that professionals will do things like using bait traps, insecticides, chemical barriers placed inside the walls, and even complete fumigation if the issue is that expansive. So to really nip your problems in the bud, make sure you call a professional as soon as you notice an issue.

If you think you have termites in the wood structures of your home, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you know what to do next.


Image Credits: CSIRO

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