Whether you recently bought a home that had termite damage or hired a pest control company that did not achieve the promised results, your problem may seem overwhelming. Dealing with termites is daunting, especially when you have no idea what they are and their destructive abilities.
Although they are tiny and often go undetected, termites can destroy a surprising amount of property rather quickly. It is helpful to understand how these silent destroyers operate in order to minimize damage or assist you in cleaning up the carnage.
How to identify termite damage
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, termite damage is often difficult to identify before significant damage is done. In addition to examining exposed wood for termite holes or hollow spots, you may come across termite swarms. Some species of termites shed their wings around doors or windows, while others leave fecal pellets behind.
Some people mistake ant swarms for termites as they look similar. However, ants have bent antennae while termites generally have straight antennae.
How do termites destroy property?
Termites live, work and reproduce in large colonies that work together. They build long tubes connecting nests to food sources, which are wood structures. While termites are beneficial in the process of breaking down wood materials and dead trees in certain areas, they can also cause devastation to a house or building structure. Termites thrive in areas with heavy moisture and that have wood to soil contact.
If you have suffered termite damage, it is important to research all of your options when it comes to treating the issue.
