Termites are every homeowner’s nightmare. Termites are destructive, burrowing insects that still cause millions of dollars in damages to wooden structures every year. We have learned to coexist with them for the most part, as we can deter them with good building practices, chemical treatments, and more earth-friendly organic methods. Below are a few things you may not know about your home and things you can do to protect it, as well as how to spot any suspicious signs of an invasion.
Your Home’s Construction
Pretty much every building code these days, and especially any nationally referenced one, will include a requirement that the construction method must include efforts to deter wood damaging insects like termites and carpenter ants. These measures include things like minimum distances from the ground to any non-pressure treated lumber the home is constructed with. Speaking of pressure-treated lumber, all homes today have a sill plate, which also performs as an insect barrier. This board separates your home’s framework from the foundation and has been mechanically and chemically treated to withstand insects. In addition, a long, thin strip of a non-corrosive metal, usually aluminum, is added as a secondary barrier. Perhaps most importantly, your home will have a required access space, usually referred to as a crawl space underneath your home. Sometimes it can be claustrophobic, but regularly taking a look around your crawlspace to make your own visible inspection is time well spent. Most structural problems begin at the foundation of any structure.
Things to Look For
There are a few signs you can look for and if you do find them you’ll want to contact an exterminator right away. The very first thing you want to look for is any standing water, or very damp surfaces. Termites must have an available water supply, so the drier the foundation area is the less likely you are to have trouble. The next things to look for are the classic mud tunnels. As mentioned before, termites require water as they are soft-shelled insects and must remain moist or they will die. The tunnels provide them with the shelter they need to stay wet while they burrow. So, if you see any indications of either of these things you should get a qualified company to verify your findings. Termites usually take their time, so don’t panic if you find something, but make it a priority.
For most of us, our home is our biggest financial asset. Regular maintenance checks like these can not only help you sleep at night but just make sense. Just a simple calendar reminder could be all it takes to save yourself some serious time and money.
Contact The Cape Cod Pest Removal Experts
A & M Pest Control proudly serves the Cape Cod area and its residents with their pest control needs. We only provide highly-effective and environmentally-friendly pest solutions in order to protect you, your household, your business and the environment we live in. If you are having pest control problems, call us directly at (508) 237-9536, or contact us today!
