While it’s true that many people have chuckled after hearing the rib-tickler about the termite eating a table and two chairs because they had a “suite tooth”, these dangerous, wood-eating insects should be a concern of every homeowner.
Termites, which are swarming flying insects, are no laughing matter because they actually do more damage to wooden structures than fire, flood or wind.
Termites feed on dead plants and trees, including foundation and soil wood. Their mouths can tear pieces of woody material, and their feeding habits are capable of causing costly damage to your home’s foundation, furniture, shelves and even books, just to name a few of their targets.
Realtor Judi Wright is happy to share this information with you, and encourages all homeowners to be on the lookout for the warning signs that indicate the presence of termites in order to protect the investment that you have made in your home.
For example, if you tap on a wooden surface and it sounds hollow, this could be an indication that termites are feeding on wood from the inside out. This may be the case in spite of the wood’s smooth, undamaged external (or surface) appearance.
Homeowners should also look for “frass”, which are wood-colored droppings produced by termites as they eat their way through wooden areas. Sometimes these droppings can be found on non-wood areas that they bore through to get to the wood. Be sure to keep your gutters, downspouts, and crawl spaces free of debris in order to cut off food supplies that help sustain termites.
Termites can enter your home through very small openings. If you discover any cracks in the foundation, roof siding, vents or windows, immediately seal them up.
The most easily found sign of termites in our area are the mud tubes the build on the exterior of a home’s foundation to retain moisture as they hunt for food. You should store all firewood, wood chips and mulch as far away from the home as possible. This will avoid producing the aforementioned moisture-rich environment in which termites survive and prosper.
If you see any signs or are worried, you should contact a licensed pest management company that will complete a thorough inspection of your home and take the necessary steps to help you protect your property and investment.
For example, if you notice swarms of insects or discover a large amount of discarded wings, contact a termite specialist immediately. Swarming termites around windows and doors mean the colony has matured, and will locate a new breeding site in which to create another colony. As a result, infestations can be spread to multiple locations inside your home.
Realtor Judi Wright hopes that these tips will help as you keep your home safe, sturdy and termite free. Please be sure to Email Judi at [email protected] or call her at (214) 597-2985 if you are in the market for a new home, or are looking to sell your current property.
