When it comes to protecting your home from the devastating effects of termite damage, a termite inspection is your initial preventive action against termites. Waiting to call a termite control professional until after the termites have already entered your walls, floor, and roof will result in more costly damage to your home and the possibility of the infestation spreading to multiple places on the property. Termites cause billions of dollars worth of damage in homes across the country every single year. Termites eat away at the cellulose in the wooden structure of a building day and night, causing the structural integrity to be potentially compromised. A process of identifying the signs of termite activity, locating the colony, eradicating it, and preventing future termite invasions of your home all starts with a thorough termite inspection by a trained professional.
Are termites a risk where I live?
Unfortunately, there are few homes in the world that do not have the possibility of becoming bug food. In the US, only Alaska stands as a termite free state. All other states, especially the lower two thirds of the country, are potentially at risk to termite infestations. Places like Southern California can have both subterranean termites as well as dry wood termites. Both can have devastating effects on a home. While the dry wood termites burrow into dry wood and are commonly found in places like the attic, subterranean termites use mud tubes to enter the home through the foundation, while concealing themselves in these self-made tunnels.
How can I prevent termites from infesting my house?
Being on the lookout for common signs can help protect your home from becoming infested with termites. Signs to look for are:
- Tube tunnels on and around the exterior foundation
- The appearance of water damage on floors
- Termite wings around exterior windows
- Weak paneling and boards in certain spots around your home
- Piles of sawdust looking excrement below windows, beneath wall hangings, and under light fixtures
Ways to prevent termites from finding an interest in your home include:
- Keeping dirt and mulch away or below your foundation line
- Storing wood piles away from the home
- Removing old stumps that are close to the house
- Promptly fixing any water leaks or drips
But regardless of your vigilance of prevention methods and identifying common termites signs, having a termite control professional routinely laying eyes on your property is hands down the best way to protect your home from termites.
When should I have my home inspected for termites?
Any time of the year is a good time to have your home inspected for termites. As the weather heats up, termites can become more active and will begin expanding their colonies, making them easier to identify. In the cooler months, termites can be caught before they ramp up their eating activity in warmer seasons.
A good rule of thumb is to have a termite inspection at least once a year. But if you know it has been longer than that for your home, schedule an inspection as soon as possible. The experienced pest professional can give you unique insight to how at risk your home is for developing a termite infestation and may recommend a more frequent inspection of your property.
Hiring a pest control company to inspect or rid your home of termites starts with an experienced company you can trust. For residents in San Diego County, give Nixtermite a call to set up your initial inspection today.
