When is the last time you had your Mississippi property inspected for termite problems? Most homeowners pay no mind to termites. This is a dangerous mindset. Not paying attention to termites is all it takes for these pests to cause massive damage. How do they do this? Quietly and sleeplessly. If you want to protect your Mississippi property against destructive subterranean termites, here is everything you need to know.
How Subterranean Termites Damage Homes
If subterranean termites were like ants, you would be able to identify them quickly by seeing them in and around your home. Unfortunately, termites are not like ants. Subterranean termites spend most of their lives beneath the ground or inside structures of wood. This allows them to damage properties without being noticed. What makes things worse is that these pests do not sleep, and they have enough energy to work constantly. Combine this with the fact that colonies do not mind sharing structures, and you have a pest that will cause a lot of trouble.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover For Termite Problems?
No one wants their home to be destroyed, but it is good to consider it a possibility so you can invest in insurance to cover any damage that happens. Unfortunately, not all disasters are covered. Termite damage is defined by home insurance companies as a “preventable disaster.” This means it is your responsibility to protect your home against these pests and to repair damage if they get inside and cause trouble.
Signs Of A Subterranean Termite Infestation
Our hope is that your home does not currently have a termite infestation. To help you make sure this is the case, here are some signs that often follow these pests.
- Mud tubes running up the exterior of your home or filling in gaps and cracks
- Pin-sized entrance and exit holes running through structural wood
- Discolored moisture spots on floors, walls, and ceilings
- Sagging, water-damaged drywall
- Overly squeaky floorboards and stairs
- Tight-fitting doors and windows
- Swarmers (winged termites), or their shed wings
Are Subterranean Termites Dangerous?
One question we are regularly asked about subterranean termites is: “Are they dangerous?” Formally, they are not. They do not bite, sting, or spread any form of disease. Drywood termites, however, do contribute to breathing problems with the dry, saw-dust-like fecal droppings they push out of holes into homes.
Some Ways To Keep Out Subterranean Termites
There are two main ways to prevent termites. The first is to eliminate points of entry around your home, and the second is to remove sources of food. To break down these two steps, here are eight practical prevention tips for you to use.
- Eliminate sources of water build-up around your property.
- Make sure your gutters are working properly.
- Repair or replace wood around your home that is water damaged, rotting, or in decay.
- Address leaky piping and fixtures.
- Use a dehumidifier inside your home.
- Store firewood and untreated lumber at least 30 feet from your home.
- Keep your yard clean of sticks, leaves, newspaper, cardboard, and other wood-based items.
- Have stumps and dead trees removed from your property.
The Benefits Of Professional Services
There is no better way to handle termites than by hiring a professional. For termite control services you can trust, look no further than Havard Pest Control. We will inspect your home and property for termite problems, inform you of your risks, and help you find a long-term solution to get and keep these pests out of your living areas.
Don’t wait for termites to come to you, give us a call today and find a quick solution to keep these pests out of your Mississippi home.