Termites are by far the most destructive pest in terms of property damage in the U.S., causing an estimated $5 billion worth of damage each year. Unfortunately, termite damage is almost never covered by homeowners insurance because it’s considered a preventable maintenance issue. The tricky part about all this is that termites wreak havoc quietly and out of sight. Often called “silent destroyers,” termites cause significant damage before they’re even noticed. If you’ve spotted signs of an active infestation in your home, chances are it’s been present for a while. Here’s what to do:
Make Sure You Actually Have a Termite Infestation
When you see structural wood damage in your home, it’s easy to immediately think you have a termite problem on your hands. Before you jump to any treatments, it’s important to confirm that you’re actually dealing with termites. Other pests damage wood, as well, like carpenter ants, carpenter bees and wood-boring beetles. Each of these pest species has a unique set of behaviors that dictates which type of treatment will be the most effective.
Know Which Species You’re Dealing With
Once you’ve confirmed that you are, in fact, dealing with termites, you need to know which species has invaded your home. Subterranean termites are the most common termite species in the Midwest. They establish their colonies underground, rely on wood for food and require moisture for survival. Signs of a subterranean termite infestation include:
- Mud tubes along your walls and foundation
- Discarded wings near windows and doors
- Small piles of frass (sawdust-like droppings)
- Hollow-sounding wood and bubbling paint
- Stuck doors and windows
Avoid Disturbing the Area
If you suspect that you have termites, it can be tempting to start investigating different areas of your home for confirmation. You may even find yourself considering trying store-bought pesticides. It’s important to avoid disturbing the affected areas because this can cause the termites to scatter to other parts of your home, only making the infestation harder to pinpoint. It’s best to leave the termites alone and allow the professionals to handle them.
If possible without disrupting any termite colonies, try to take photos of the area and the signs of the infestation. Pictures of frass, discarded wings, mud tubes and any damage may be useful when it comes time to contact a professional termite control team.
Get a Professional Termite Control Inspection
Termites aren’t a wait-and-see type of pest. Unlike some other pests, they don’t go away on their own. They’re persistent and will continue to cause damage until they’ve been removed. You should always call a professional termite control team for help immediately after discovering an infestation. The technicians will conduct a thorough inspection to identify the species and determine the extent of the damage. Afterwards, they’ll use their findings to come up with the most effective treatment plan, which may include liquid termiticide or targeted bait systems.
Address Damage and Prevent Future Infestations
Once the infestation has been treated by a professional, it’s time to take inventory of the damage that was left behind. Depending on how long they were active, damage can be minimal or extensive, affecting everything from drywall and windows to framing and support beams. While a termite control company will help with basic cleanup, debris removal and patching, more serious damage should be evaluated by a contractor.
Found termites in your home? Don’t wait to reach out for help! The longer you wait, the more damage these pests do. Call Pro-Staff at (402) 819-7378 or contact us online for expert Omaha termite control you can count on.
