In these summer months, we all want to get to that to-do list around the house. And when we’re rearranging furniture, moving out boxes, or clearing up the attic, we might be in for an unwelcome surprise. Termites usually go undetected for long periods of time, and when you finally discover them, it can be a big headache. Havard Pest Control provides excellent pest control in Alabama, and we want you to stay safe from termites.
Do I Have To Worry About Termites In Alabama?
Alabama hosts different kinds of termites, including both drywood and subterranean. In either case, they can be inside your home for a substantial amount of time without you finding out about them because they live behind wood and deep in the soil. Both infest homes, but they have different ways of doing it. The main differences between drywood and subterranean termites are:
- Subterranean termites need to return to a nest in the soil to get moisture, but drywood termites create their nests in wood.
- Subterranean termites build mud tunnels to get from the soil to wood with moisturized and enclosed pathways. They usually build these mud tunnels on the foundation.
- Subterranean termites cause more damage. These colonies grow much faster.
One of the main differences is the subterranean termite’s ability to damage property much worse than drywood termites. Subterranean termites also tend to be more difficult to remove once they’ve infested.
Common Problems Termites Cause
Termites mine through wood and eat it on their way through. The main thing to note is that they don’t ever decide to just go away. Once termites have chosen your house, you’ll need to handle the problem or they won’t quit until your wood structures are ready to collapse. Problems termites cause are:
- Damage to wood structures
- Jeopardized structural integrity for your house
- Expensive repairs
- Ruined furniture
- Water damage within wood structures
Because these pests dig parallel to the wood they infest, they’ll never emerge through their tunnels. They hollow out wood as they go, but it’s difficult to see. You can always check the integrity of wood beams by pressing a thumb against them. Additionally, signs of water damage like bubbling paint or swelling wood could indicate a termite infestation. These insects collect and are attracted to moisture.
Simple Steps You Can Take To Protect Your Home From Termites
Once you know what these pests look for, you can help yourself out by depriving them. Termites like moisture, wood, and soil. To prevent termites, you can:
- Fix all leaky pipes.
- Check the foundation for mud tunnels from subterranean termites.
- Check for evidence of termite damage by pressing a thumb to wood or looking for water damage.
- Look for signs of termites in trees in your yard to make sure they’re not encroaching.
- Keep firewood stacked on a platform far from the house.
- Trim all vegetation so it doesn’t stem to the house.
These prevention tips can make the difference between a full-blown infestation or catching it early. It can even stop an infestation altogether, completely avoiding termite damage. If infestations go too far, you will most likely need the help of a professional termite and pest control company.
Why DIY Termite Solutions Should Be Avoided
A lot of homeowners try DIY termite treatments, hoping to save money. But trying to handle an infestation on your own isn’t recommended because:
- DIY methods won’t kill an entire infestation, and may even spread them out further.
- Nests in the soil can’t be reached without advanced technology.
- Sprays can be toxic to people, as well.
If you have an infestation, call us at Havard Pest Control. We’ve been providing excellent quality service to all of Alabama for seven decades. Let us help you.