Termites cause billions of dollars in repair costs every year in the United States and stand unrivaled as the scourge of the American homeowner. While most other pests can be an annoyance or a threat to your health, termites alone can literally destroy the home you're living in. And the worst part is that homeowners' insurance does not usually cover termite damage.
Termites feed on cellulose and, in nature, act as dedicated recyclers, processing wood from dead trees and plants and aerating the soil. Once termites get into your home, however, they are no longer a valuable part of the environment but a threat that might end up costing you thousands of dollars in costly repairs.
Let's look at the signs of termites in your home, a few basic termite prevention tips, and how to find quality pest control in Huntsville if you need to clear them out of your house.
The Types Of Termites That Infest Huntsville Homes
There are hundreds of termite species in the world, but living in Alabama, you're likely to encounter the following four:
- Drywood termites are usually between 3/8 and 1 inch long and are one of the biggest termite species in North America. They are creamy white to light brown with long, oval-shaped bodies. Drywood termites, as the name suggests, have a preference for dry wood and, thanks to that, cause more damage to our houses than any other termite type.
- Dampwood termites are a bit smaller, between 1/2 and 5/8 of an inch in size, and creamy white to brown as well. These termites are less likely to invade homes since most houses are built from well-dried aged wood.
- Subterranean termites are one of the smaller species, usually no larger than 1/8 of an inch, with creamy white to black bodies that are long and narrow in shape. Subterranean termites are one of the hardest to detect since they come up into the wooden structure of your home from underground. You usually won't notice these termites until they've done significant damage.
- Formosan termites are a relatively recent import from South America and one of the most aggressive termite species. They are usually up to 1/2 an inch in size and easily identified by heads that are rounded on the sides and tapered towards the front. Formosan termites build huge colonies with more than 350000 members and often establish secondary nests above the ground in areas with enough moisture.
Regardless of the termite species in Huntsville, dealing with a termite nest on your property is bad news, and you must remedy the situation immediately.
Easy-To-Spot Signs Of Termites In The Walls Of Your Home
Termites are often not easy to spot until it's too late. Watch for the following signs.
- Blistered paint
- Wood that sounds hollow
- Small holes in the wood and piles of frass by them
- Termite swarmers and piles of their wings
Swarmers on your property often mean there is a nest close by.
How To Remove Factors That Attract Termites To Your Home
To prevent termites in Huntsville from developing an interest in your home:
- Seal off any cracks or openings in the walls.
- Fix plumbing leaks.
- Make sure to treat any wood in contact with the ground.
- Don't store firewood close to the house.
A termite infestation in your Huntsville home is not a job for DIYers. Any missed termites can be the start of a whole new infestation.
How To Get Rid Of Termites In Your Home
At EnviroGuard, we've been helping Huntsville area residents deal with termite problems and clearing out other pests from their homes for over 40 years. We offer environmentally-friendly solutions to the pest infestations you're dealing with and will be happy to take care of a termite problem in your house with our effective termite control services in Huntsville.
Reach out today to get started, and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Huntsville.