Your home should be a sanctuary, but subterranean termites can make it a financial nightmare. These tiny, silent invaders often go unnoticed until they’ve caused significant damage. Knowing how to spot, prevent, and treat these termites is essential. Regular termite inspections can help you protect your home from these destructive pests. This guide will walk you through the process.
What Are Subterranean Termites?
Subterranean termites are small but powerful wood-eating insects that live in colonies underground. They thrive in moist conditions and create intricate tunnels, known as shelter tubes, to travel from their colonies to food sources. These tubes often appear along foundations or crawl spaces, signaling an infestation.
Unlike dry-wood termites, subterranean termites need moisture to survive. Their colonies are highly organized, with each termite playing a different role. Worker termites find food, feed the colony, and build tunnels. Soldier termites defend the colony, especially against ants. The reproductive termites, including the queen and king, produce offspring, while winged swarmers leave the colony to start new nests.
The Damage Subterranean Termites Can Cause
Subterranean termites feed on cellulose in wood, which can lead to extensive and costly damage. They can weaken support beams, floor joists, and wall studs, resulting in sagging floors, cracked walls, and doors that no longer close correctly. Shelter tubes on foundation walls trap moisture, leading to cracks and further damage. Over time, termite infestations leave damaged walls, ceilings, and floors, requiring expensive repairs.
Prevention Tips To Protect Your Home From Termites
Preventing termites is more effective and cost-efficient than handling an infestation. Here are some straightforward strategies to keep termites away:
Eliminate Moisture: Repair leaking pipes, clean out gutters, and maintain proper drainage around your foundation to prevent water accumulation.
Reduce Wood-to-Ground Contact: Store firewood at least 20 feet from your home. Elevate it off the ground and remove dead trees or stumps from your property.
Call Professionals: Contact Wingate for a free estimate for treatment with a lifetime warranty.
Protect Your Home From Termites With Regular Inspections!
Even if you don’t suspect termites, annual professional inspections are a smart way to catch any issues early. Regular termite inspections, preventative strategies, and professional termite control are key to keeping your home termite-free. Contact Wingate Pest & Lawn for a free termite inspection and preventive solutions today!