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Spotting Termite Threats

Author: akoppens | Posted: 11.11.2008 | Views: 32

One of the worst troubles homeowners could ever face is the hazard of termite invasion. In reality, subterranean termites are the most abundant wood-destroying organisms in the United States, accounting for billions of dollars worth of damage every year. The majority of the damage happens from the colony feeding on the wood within your home, but other damage can also occur to trees, your insulation, books, paper, plants and even your swimming pool's filtration system.

Fortunately, there's happy news, provided you can catch the problem before it gets too severe. It can often take several years before the colony can produce any real damage, but left untreated, it can virtually destroy the value of your home, making selling it unfeasible. Homeowners must identify the warning signs of infestation as well as how to prevent and eradicate the potential threat of these detrimental pests.

Due to the destructive character of termites, it's advisable to have a specialist pest control company do a yearly inspection, even if you've had no prior signs of invasion. To the common homeowner, termites are very hard to detect, difficult to kill and almost impossible to keep from re-infesting. It's unquestionably in your best interest to defer to a professional with the understanding, equipment and experience to do the job right the first time. Also, many service companies will offer a guarantee once you're on an established inspection program, promising to clear away any existing or future problems at no extra charge. Some even go as far as offering to compensate for any damage incurred while under contract. Keep in mind, though, it's imperative to maintain a regular inspection schedule, checking frequently for any signs of infestation. After all, you're protecting a major investment.

Although termites are exceedingly difficult to spot, their handiwork is often fairly visible around the home. Look for what many refer to as Mud Tubes, Shelter Tubes or Termite Tubes. These are cleverly constructed runways, generally about an inch wide, that the termites use as a passage from the dirt outside your home, directly into the house. This allows the colony to pass through a sheltered tunnel into your home, protecting them from outside elements such as heat and natural predators, such as ants. Other signs include small holes on the surface of your walls, paint bubbles and a powdery matter that looks like sawdust on the ground near your walls. Any of these signs are an indication that you may have a problem. The best way to test is to tap the structural segment of the wall with a hammer. If you have a hollow sound, you more than likely have termites.

Since termite destruction is a long and timely process, there's no need to panic at the first sign of possible infestation. Take some time in deciding how to deal with the problem. Decide for yourself whether you're best prepared to handle the situation, or if you'd rather turn to a professional. Those choosing outside help should get at least three estimates, keeping in mind that any warranty offered is only as dependable as the company offering it. Do-it-yourselfers have a few options as well, including liquid treatments, bait treatments and borate treatments, although these methods are most successful during the building process and not on existing infestations in older homes.

Liquid is the oldest method of treatment, but with the innovations in modern bait products, it may not necessarily be your best solution. As opposed to the Liquid Treatment, which uses a poison called termiticide to form a barrier around the house, bait treatments kill the entire colony by design. Place bait stakes in the ground, near any place where you suspect termites. Initially, wood fills the bait stakes. If termites take the bait, pesticides replace the wood to infect the entire colony. The drawback to bait treatment is that it takes a great deal of time and needs monitoring on a regular basis.
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