Are the “Silent Destroyers” in Your Home?
Some pest problems are easily seen. Nests, swarms and tipped over garbage cans indicate a potential problem waiting to get worse. But what happens when the issue isn’t so obvious?
There are about 2,000 known termite species in the world, and every one of them can invisibly eat away at the wood, flooring and wallpaper in your home. As a matter of fact, each year, termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage! So what can you do to protect your castle?
First, it’s crucial to know the species you may be dealing with. Residents in Maryland are most affected by the Eastern Subterranean Termite. These socialites live underground, in large colonies, eating 24-hours per day. You can identify if termites are present by a few common indicators:
- Buckling wood or swollen floors and ceilings that can look like water damage
- A similar scent to mold or mildew
- A maze-like image that shows a termite’s tunnel in furniture or walls
Second, Subterranean Termites live and breed in moist soil. These environments can be found around homes and usually activity increases after raining, which makes spring a particularly sensitive time. If you have a basement, you can also look for signs of termite infestation in and around damp walls from leaking pipes, shower recess, faulty plumbing, and don’t forget to look up into guttering and broken roof tiles.
Finally, if you want to prevent an infestation, follow a few tips to keep termites from making your home into a bed and breakfast. Start by making sure water drains away from your home. This will help keep water from pooling around your foundation. Next, replace any damp or damaged wood outside your home. And any wood that is left around the property should be covered and kept dry.
Termites are serious and very real destructive pests. If you have any questionable damage or need an expert opinion, Eco Care Pest Management offers free consultations. Or if you need help with pest identification, Ask Erich, our board certified entomologist. He’ll quickly identify your pest and find a solution for your problem—you can quickly and easily submit a question through our website.
Need to knock out a pest problem?
Call Eco Care Pest Management for a FREE consultation and expert insect termination. Or if you need help with pest identification, Ask Erich, our board certified entomologist. He’ll quickly identify your pest and find a solution for your problem—you can quickly and easily submit a question through our website.