Termite Infestation Damaging to Home Value

                                                                                         

Termites are easily confused with winged ants; therefore, it is important to learn how to differentiate between the two. Termites have several different castes that look quite differently. The worker termite is pale in appearance and looks a bit like a large albino ant. Soldier termites have wings that are double the size of their bodies and are generally found after the insect has infected your home. While working in the yard, keep an eye on dead tree stumps and old wood. If you spot termites then you know that they may be a threat to your home. Take a walk around your house and the outside of your home. Look for earth toned mud tubes that operate as termite exits. Troubles with termites usually begin 10 or more years after the house has been built. But there have been cases of termite infestations in newer houses. It is always important to be attentive when inspecting your home. Probable areas include basement walls, wooden posts, decorative trim around doors, areas around furnaces and chimneys, moldings, and windowpanes. Make checking for termites a habit and you will save yourself plenty of money and future hassle.

It is often times a challenge to discover termites, because they devour your home from the inside out. If you suspect a termite colony may be hiding out in any wooden structure, then use a screwdriver or hammer and expose the area. Worker termites do not like the sun's brightness and are likely to quickly move when exposed. If you start observing bulging walls then you know you have a big problem. There are ways to protect your home before a termite infestation. Keep landscaping such as shrubs, fences, planter boxes, and trees at least two feet away from your house's foundation. Try to avoid using wood mulch. For interior protection, always dispose of wood debris and repair any busted pipes. Termites thrive in wet environments, so keeping pipes fixed and sprinkler heads away from your foundation will help prevent them from coming into your home. If you decide to renovate, choose a wood that had been treated to stop termites.

There are a number of ways to handle termites when they get into your home. Many people will spot the revealing mud tubes and poison the soil around the area. This is typically unproductive because termites can journey great distances into your home or discover other ways to get in. There are termite bait systems that will trap termites or allow you to see if you have a termite problem. The most trustworthy way to treat termites or determine if they are in your home is to call a professional. The termite control company you call should be registered with the Department of Agriculture or other government agency in charge of pest control in your state. Call a number of companies and ask about the varying treatment options and get quotes. Companies usually vary in the services provided with the warranty, but the majority will make a second visit to an area if the wood did not take the treatment initially. Treatments will generally last for five years, yet you should keep an eye on the area regularly. Termites cost homeowners enormous amounts of money for treatment and reconstruction. Always be diligent and when in doubt call a reputable termite control company.

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