How to Identify Termites – What do termites look like?
Termites are small and commonly mistaken for ants, especially during the warm months when the winged insects boil from the ground. With close observation, termites are found to have straight antennae versus the elbowed antennae of ants. Also, termites seem to be without a “waist” while ants have a pronounced narrow midsection.
If you happen to stumble into a swarm of small flying insects, ants and termites can be easily differentiated. Termites will have wings of equal length and ants will have wings of different lengths. But to be safe, you can always call Healthy Home for an inspection.
Termite Threat- What can termites do?
Termites eat the wood that makes up what is often your largest investment: your home. They will eat the structural framework that keeps your home upright as well as door frames, window sills and hardwood floors. And what’s more terrifying? They often do this hidden behind your walls.
Termites will also make big issues out of small problems. They often target compromised wood. A tiny leak around a bay window that goes unnoticed can end up costing thousands to repair once termites are drawn to the moist area and feed on the surrounding wall studs and framework.
Termite Damage- How do you know?
If in doubt, it is always best to seek professional termite help. If you find damaged wood, investigate whether there are characteristic “mud tunneling” within the wood. Termites build these tunnels from dirt and fecal material to protect the workers. If you happen upon a crumbling baseboard and when punching through what is left of the paint shell you find dirt, you are most likely looking at active termites.
Spongy ends of wood supports around your garage door posts or door frames that have started wearing off does not mean you have termites. Those areas see a lot of moisture and may show those signs over time. But remember, termites do target wood with moisture issues. Inspect closely for the evidence of mud or dirt to make sure you aren’t inviting termites inside.
Who is Safe?
Unfortunately, no construction is safe from a termite infestation. Crawlspace homes will have termites entering through hollow block or behind the earth filled front porch. Slab homes will have termites accessing the hardwood floors through plumbing entries, cracks in the concrete due to settling, or in the joint of the concrete patio. Basement homes will battle termites using the seam between the basement wall and garage concrete slab, the crevice below the garage door posts or the void behind the brick.
These examples of common areas that termites use are just a handful of the many ways they can enter your home to begin feasting under your roof.
Termite Prevention- How to win the battle?
Remember the saying, “The best offense is a good defense?” The best way to prevent a termite infestation in your home is to install a termite barrier. By strategically placing a termiticide along your homes foundation, Healthy Home can eliminate the threats before the damage occurs.
Termites do not take time off. It’s important to have a treatment that doesn’t either! When using a liquid termiticide such as Termidor, the elimination of termites begins immediately and will continue for more than 10 years! No need for monthly check-ups or additional measures to keep your home safe.
Scheduling a Termite Inspection in the Greater Metro Atlanta area?
Healthy Home Termite and Pest Control specializes in termite and pest control in Atlanta and surrounding areas such as Marietta, Kennesaw and Alpharetta. With a quick phone consultation, we can have you ahead of the potential risk of a termite infestation.
Give us a call at (770) 505-9040 or fill out our online contact form so we can help you avoid the costly repairs of termite damage.