Some pests that you encounter on your Hattiesburg property are worse than others, and one of the most invasive of all is termites. While certain pests are just considered a nuisance, termites are downright destructive as they eat through wooden structures in your home or around your yard. Termites are known to ruin anything from floors to beams to wooden furniture and beyond.
While termites eat through wood somewhat slowly, the damage can add up over time. The main reason why termites often do so much damage to a building is that they are difficult to identify. This means they will often go unnoticed for long periods of time before property owners notice an infestation.
On average, termites can cost home and property owners around $3,000 in repairs. But, in some cases, the costs are much higher.
While there are often other signs of termite damage that you’ll notice before you see them, there are certain times of the year when termites become more active as they look for new places to reproduce. Knowing what they look like is useful because of this. Termites can be identified because:
- They can be brown or black but are usually often a cream or off-white color and are often mistaken for white ants.
- They have antennae and six legs.
- Their bodies have a ribbed appearance, and they are an oval shape.
- Reproductive termites have translucent wings.
However, the best way to identify a termite infestation is to be proactive about prevention and to know the other signs of an invasion.
Signs Of A Termite Infestation
While it’s not impossible to see termites, you’re more likely to notice other signs first. There are many issues that termites can cause in your house, and knowing what to watch out for can help you identify the infestation before it wreaks havoc throughout your property.
Here are the eight most common signs of a termite infestation that you should be aware of:
1. The sound of soft clicking coming from inside of walls.
2. Doors and windows that fit more tightly in their frames than they used to.
3. Drywall that has an uneven, discolored appearance.
4. Peeling paint that you might mistake for water damage.
5. Floorboards that are squeaky or buckling.
6. The sight of discarded wings that reproductive termites leave behind.
7. Wood that has a hollow sound when you knock on it.
8. The appearance of small holes in drywall.
Keeping Termite Infestations Away
Completely preventing termites can be difficult, but there are some things you can do to make your Hattiesburg property less attractive to them. You can look for things that make your home or business appealing to termites and reduce these factors. This can go a long way in protecting your home from termite damage.
Here are some of the best ways to prevent termites:
- Limit soil to wood contact around the foundation of the building.
- Discard any wood that has any moisture damage.
- Keep firewood stored at least 30 feet from the exterior of your building.
- Remove any decaying organic matter from your yard.
- Reduce moisture content by repairing leaky pipes and faucets.
- Get help from the professionals.
The Most Effective Termite Control
While there are some things you can do on your own to prevent termites, the best and most effective way to prevent termites and get rid of any current infestations is to contact the experts at Havard Pest Control. With over 70 years of pest control experience in Hattiesburg, we provide high-quality termite control options and even offer free inspections. Call us today to learn more.