Many Council Bluffs homeowners aren’t as concerned about insects as they should be. The assumption is that issues will instantly be visible, and that’s when homeowners will need pest control in Council Bluffs. Both notions are inaccurate. Some insects, like those that target wood, can hide for a long time. Termites are an excellent example of this. The bugs are usually hidden underground or behind walls.
The cost of termite wreckage is staggering. Each year, Americans spend $5 billion on property damage caused by termites. Bearing that in mind, you must learn the signs of termites inside your house and know what to do next.
Signs Of Termite Activity To Watch For Around Your Home
Correctly identifying termites is the first step in noticing activity. Workers can range from creamy white to dark brown and are ⅛ of an inch long. As their title suggests, they steadily work away at eating wood. Soldiers must ensure the workers aren’t disturbed or attacked by enemy pests. They are often larger and yellow-brown. Two of their distinguishing features are their rectangular heads and large mandibles. Swarmers are the most unique in the colony, as they are usually larger and have wings. They are focused on procreating and founding new colonies.
There may be active termites on your property if the following signs are present:
- Swarmers flying around
- Shed swarmer wings scattered near windows and doorways
- Piles of fecal frass outside drilled holes
- Mud tubes on the exteriors of structures
- Hollow-sounding wood
- Soft noises coming from behind the walls
- Bubbling or peeling paint
- Discolored or blistered wooden structures
- Loose tiles or squeaky floorboards
- Window frames and doors are difficult to open
If you have yearly inspections by Beeline Pest Control, any signs of termites that you miss will be detected by our technicians.
The Extent Of Damage Termites Can Cause To Your Home
The extent of termite damage will depend on the size of the colony and how long the infestation has been present. Typically after a few years, the damage will become noticeable. At best, you’ll have problems with the aesthetic of your residence. Floors and walls may have wood that looks broken up or water-damaged. In severe cases, after several years, ceilings, bases, and foundations could be on the verge of collapse. At that point, you’d have to be worried about potential injuries and a relocation.
Unfortunately, repairs stemming from a termite invasion aren’t cheap or convenient to work around. If the destroyed wood must be taken out and replaced, your bill will be relatively high. Annual termite inspections can help mitigate the extent of the damage.
Factors That Attract Termites And How To Remove Them
Termites will frequently gravitate to wood directly on the ground or close to it. This includes the exterior of your property. You can eliminate the soil along the edges of your home and lay gravel down instead. Moisture also attracts termites, so use a dehumidifier in damp spaces like the basement. In addition, have leaks and other moisture issues fixed as soon as possible. Another thing to think about is structural cracks and crevices, which termites use to get indoors. Be sure to seal these up right away. Other things you can do are:
- Remove wood that is decaying or water-damaged.
- Attach screens to windows and doors.
- Clean out vents and gutters regularly.
- Eliminate wood-to-soil contact.
- Maintain downspouts, splash blocks, and gutters to effectively divert water away from your home.
Maintaining these preventative measures is key to shielding your home from termites, but professional pest control is the most effective way to safeguard your home.
The Best Way To Protect Your Home From Termites
The best way to keep your Council Bluffs home safe from termites is to work with the professionals at Beeline Pest Control. Termites are not pests that can be eliminated through DIY methods alone; professional treatments are crucial to keeping your home termite-free.
We employ a variety of termite control methods and will recommend a treatment that is best suited to your specific situation. Depending on the type of termite and the severity of the infestation, we may use liquid treatments, scrape and treat, or fumigation. Our termite control services come with a three to five-year warranty, and we will follow up if needed during this time.
Don’t let termites get away with damaging your home; contact Beeline Pest Control for effective termite control in Council Bluffs today.