When you go to the store and buy a new electronic device, there is occasionally a protection plan you can buy to go with it. This protection plan usually allows you to trade the item back in if it gets broken. Termite protection is a lot like a device protection plan, but for your home. The only difference is that with professional termite protection, you don’t have to worry about your home being destroyed by termites at all. How does it work? Here is everything you need to know about professional termite protection.
Background Information About Termites
Termites are wood-destroying pests that live in massive colonies underground. To sustain their colonies, termite work a source of edible wood has been founders search for wood that has been softened by water damage, rot, or decay. Once workers find a source of viable wood, they will begin to harvest. Wood that is collected is then brought back to reproductive termites within the colony. As you can guess, this behavior is extremely destructive, especially to homes that are primarily made out of wood.
Why Termites Are So Destructive
Termites can inflict considerable damage to your Bay Area home in a short amount of time. Given the size of these insects, you may be wondering how this is possible. For one, termites are incredibly sneaky. Worker termites spend the entirety of their lives either underground or deep within a structure of wood. This makes infestations incredibly difficult to spot. It typically takes homeowners years to realize their home has a termite problem, and by this time, termites have already inflicted severe damage.
Signs Of Termite Behavior
Although termites are difficult to spot, there are a few signs that experts use to detect infestations within homes. If you think you have a termite problem, look for the following indications:
- Pencil sized mud tubes running up the exterior foundation of your home
- Tiny pin-sized holes inside your home’s structural wood
- Bubbling wallpaper or paint
- Hollow sounding timber
- Sagging drywall
- Overly squeaky floorboards
- Tight-fitting doors and windows
How To Identify Termite Attractants
Termites are drawn to homes by a number for attractants. To reduce your chances of developing a termite problem, you can take the following preventative measures:
- Mulch around your property that has a high concentration of wood chips.
- Wet cardboard, damp newspapers, or other wood/paper-based products.
- Store untreated wood or firewood away from the exterior of your home.
- Eliminate soil that is directly touching the structural wood of your home.
- Replace water damaged, rotting, or decaying wood.
- Remove dead stumps or fallen trees.
By eliminating factors that draw termites to your home, you will reduce your chances of developing a termite problem. However, despite your efforts, you still may find yourself dealing with a termite problem.
Guaranteed Protection From Bay Area Termites
There is no simple fix for termites. These invasive and elusive insects can dodge most DIY treatments. Even if you think the answer you have can’t fail, there is no way to know if it has worked or not without tearing your home apart to check termite tunnels and verify that workers are dying.
The only effective and reliable solution to termites is professional termite control. At Bay Pest, we understand termites and have worked hard to find the absolute best solution to get and keep them out of homes. IF you're worried about termites or looking to eliminate an existing colony, reach out to the experts at Bay Pest today.