While many pests can be frustrating to deal with and difficult to remove, termites are some of the worst. They take frustration and destruction to another level than the average pest, and they can be extremely challenging to completely eradicate. In this guide, you’ll learn why termites are such a problem to find in your San Diego County home or business and get your questions about these pests answered.
To start with, you’ll need to know what termites actually look like. The appearance of a termite depends on the role they play in their colonies. There are workers, soldiers, and termite swarmers. The workers and soldiers don’t have wings and rarely leave their nests and tunnels. They resemble cream-colored ants. On the other hand, the termite swarmers have wings and are a dark brown to black color. They will sometimes leave the nest to reproduce.
The main reason why termites can cause so much damage is that they will chew through wooden structures constantly. This allows them to destroy everything from floorboards to walls to support beams if given enough time. The amount of damage they can do depends on how severe the infestation is and how long it lasts, but property owners can often spend thousands of dollars on repairs.
Are Termites Harmful?
While termites are one of the most destructive pests in the area, the other question many people have is whether or not they are dangerous. Overall, termites aren’t going to cause a lot of health issues. They can trigger allergies in some people, but they aren’t known to transmit diseases or pathogens.
Signs Of Termite Activity
Knowing what termites look like is important, but there are other signs of termite infestations you may be able to pick up on first. It’s key to know what these signs are since you might see these other signs before you ever see an actual termite. Here are signs of termite activity:
- Small droppings called termite frass that looks like wood shavings
- Buckling or squeaking floorboards
- Windows and doors that suddenly fit more tightly in their frames
- Pinpoint holes wooden structures
If you aren’t seeing any of these signs of termite activity in your home already, it’s the perfect time to take preventive measures. These are some simple steps you can take to deter termites from getting inside:
- Focus on moisture problems. Repair leaky plumbing and use dehumidifiers in humid areas.
- Make sure that there is a barrier between the foundation of the building and the soil.
- Get rid of water-damaged wood both inside and outside of the property.
- Clean up yard debris such as leaf piles and grass clippings.
- Store firewood and other woodpiles at least 30 feet away from the exterior of the home or business.
What If You Already Have Termites?
If you’ve noticed signs of termites in your home or business, the easiest way to avoid damage and remove them is with assistance from HomeShield Pest Control. Termites can be difficult to identify, and removing them entirely is almost impossible without professional help. They can live inside of walls and tunnel through almost any wooden item, so professional pest control help is the only reliable way to eradicate them for good.
Get started by contacting us today to request a quote or an inspection.