Dealing with Termites
Termite infestations are the subject of a lot of hype and some fallacies, largely due to the home renovation craze that you see on television. Often you’ll see some burly real estate type in Florida discovering termite damage and carrying on as if it were the end of the world, without really giving any reasons why.Let’s clear that up right away. Termites eat fairly slowly, and the house is not about to come crashing down even with an infestation; long before it did, the signs would be obvious (namely, every spring thousands and thousands of winged termites would appear out of the walls). That said, it really IS a problem for the real estate investor (both the Italian guy on the television and a home owner) because although the structural damage might not be too bad, the aesthetic appeal is certainly downgraded. In real estate, looks are everything, so it’s important to deal with termites as soon as possible to prevent a decline in your investment.
Not all termites are equal
It’s important to realize that there are four different species of termite present in the United States, and each one has a different solution when it is being dealt with. We will look at all four and the different approaches for control in a separate article; in this article we will concentrate on the most common of the four, the subterranean.
The habits of the subterranean termite
Subterranean termites are difficult to deal with because they can be found almost anywhere, and that means in the wider world as well as within a home. They are most commonly found in the lower levels of homes, though. Unlike the other species of termite, subterraneans do not leave behind piles of poop, which again can make them harder to spot until there has been some significant damage done. Finally, they also work faster than the other types of termites do, resulting in more clean up costs.
Elimination and control
Obviously, the most important aspect of dealing with these termites lies first in their elimination. Subterraneans make their nests in the ground, as the name suggests. The most effective method as far as dealing with them is therefore creating a barrier between the nest and the home.
This has usually come about through the use of a chemical barrier that prevents the termites from burrowing up into the home, but as with all chemical treatments this can be unappealing for many home owners; there are issues with groundwater contamination and allergies. Still, this remains the most effective treatment and as always pest control companies which have a least toxic policy are well versed in the use of safe practices in these areas.
Once the termites have been eliminated, prevention becomes the key to avoiding another costly eradication. It’s important to store firewood away from the house, and to repair any gaps in your siding, doors, or windows that allow moisture into the wood (termites like moist wood, dry wood is impossible for them to “chew”). You should also avoid any wooden structures with their legs placed directly in the soil.
As always, a pest control company is the most beneficial solution to termite problems. An assessment of the problem, an integrated solution, and a plan for future prevention are all easily attained through a person used to dealing with termites.
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