Inspection For Termites
Inspecting your home for termites is more necessary than you may think. Each year, termites do billions of dollars worth of damage to homes. Unlike other disasters that can wreck a home, such as a fire or earthquake, termite damage is rarely covered by homeowner’s insurance. And since termites eat wood from the inside out, the homeowners often won’t be aware anything is wrong until too late. Repairing termite damage can end up costing thousands of dollars. In the worst-case scenario, parts of the house can even collapse due to weakened structural support.
Types Of Termites
There are also a few different types of termites. Subterranean termites are what usually come to mind when speaking about termites. They are found in every type of climate and eat wood in pages of a book pattern. If you see this sort of pattern on any wood in your home, calling an exterminator should be your top priority. Drywood termites are found in warmer climates, though they may be able to survive in colder climates if the house is heated. Drywood termites eat wood in such a manner that it appears smooth and clean. Due to this, it can be difficult to tell if you have an infestation of drywood termites. These species have different methods of extermination, so it is important to contact a professional who can correctly distinguish between them.
Winged Termites
Another time to call the exterminator is the presence of winged termites in your home. When a termite colony is mature, it sends out winged termites to find a place to establish a new colony. The presence of a winged termite inside a home means either that the home is infested with a mature colony, or that a colony will soon be formed. Finding winged termites outside the house does not necessarily mean a house is infested. However, with the termites searching for a new home it may only be a matter of time before the termites move into yours.
Since it can be difficult to detect termites, a homeowner should regularly check for them. Early detection and extermination of termites are far more preferable to fixing damage afterward. That’s why annually inspecting a home for termites should be on every homeowner’s to-do list. Call Kilter Termite and Pest Control today for a free inspection.