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Six Signs Your Columbus Home May Have A Termite Problem

Termite

Although we face several home-invading pests here in Columbus, if ever there is a pest that you want to be sure you keep out of your property, it’s the termite. After all, termites are responsible for over $5 billion worth of damage per year here in the United States. You must know the steps you can take to protect your home from these costly pests better. Unfortunately, even with the proper precautions, termites still might invade your home. That’s why you need to know the signs of a termite infestation so that you can act quickly and keep the damage inflicted upon your home to a minimum.

What You Need To Know About Termites

Termites are small ant-like pests that are typically brown, black, or pale yellow. Their segmented bodies have six legs, antennae, and powerful mandibles, which they use to chew through wood. Additionally, members of the reproductive caste have wings.

Termite colonies consist of three different castes: workers, soldiers, and reproductives. You will likely never see a worker or soldier in your home as they remain within the colony or the wood they are eating. However, you may see reproductives in your home as they will leave their old colonies to go out and create new ones. This process is called a termite swarm. 

Termites feed on the organic material that makes up wood, which can be so destructive to homes if they get inside. They have been known to destroy structural wood, flooring, antiques, and furniture. Furthermore, the longer a termite infestation persists, the more destruction it can cause to your home.

Signs Of A Termite Infestation

Because it is unlikely that you will ever spot a termite in your home, you should know some other telltale signs that could indicate a termite infestation. These include:

  • Finding the shed wings of swarmers
  • Soft rustling noises emanating from the walls 
  • Windows and doors becoming tight in their frames
  • The appearance of small holes within wood around your home
  • Frass, or wood dust, appearing around wooden objects in your home
  • Overly creaky floors

Ways To Prevent Termite Infestations

Even if you have no indications of a termite infestation, there are some steps you can take to protect your home from future infestations. These include:

  • Partner with 1st Response Pest Management for year-round termite protection 
  • Remove or replace any moisture-damaged or rotting wood in your home
  • Use dehumidifiers to address any moisture issues in your home
  • Fix any leaking pipes or fixtures to prevent water damage
  • Keep your gutters free of debris to prevent flooding
  • Put a concrete or gravel barrier between the soil and any wood around your home, such as deck posts and siding
  • Seal up any cracks in your home’s foundation
  • Keep woodpiles away from the exterior of your house
  • Inspect any antiques, firewood, or other wooden objects for termites before bringing them into your home

What To Do If Your Home Is Infested With Termites

In the unfortunate instance that you do find signs of a termite infestation, contact the professionals here at 1st Response Pest Management right away and ask about our Termite Control Options. We offer a free inspection of your property to determine affected areas when it comes to termite control. Then we implement the Sentricon System with Always Active, a baiting system that works around the clock to protect your home from termites. If the situation calls for it, we may also use a liquid termite treatment to ensure your home is safe from these damaging pests. If you want to keep your home protected from termites, contact 1st Response Pest Management today.