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An Ounce of Prevention Particularly Valuable with Termite Infestations

One of the most terrible issues homeowners could ever face is the danger of termite infestation.

One of the most terrible issues homeowners could ever face is the danger of termite infestation. In truth, subterranean termites are the most plentiful wood-destroying organisms in the U.S., accounting for billions of dollars worth of damage every year. The primary damage happens from the colony feeding on the wood inside your home, but other damage can also occur to trees, your insulation, books, paper, plants and even your swimming pool's filtration system.

Luckily, there's happy news, provided you can grab hold of the problem before it gets too serious. It can often take a few years before the colony can produce any real damage, but left untreated, it can virtually wipe out the value of your property, making selling it unfeasible. Homeowners must identify the warning signs of infestation as well as how to avert and eliminate the potential threat of these harmful pests.

Owing to the destructive character of termites, it's wise to have a professional pest control company do an annual inspection, even if you've had no previous signs of infestation. To the common homeowner however, termites are very difficult to identify, difficult to exterminate and nearly impossible to keep from re-establishing. It's unquestionably in your best interest to turn 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 schedule, promising to get rid of any existing or future problems at no additional charge. Some even go as far as offering to compensate for any damage incurred while under contract. Keep in mind, though, it's important to maintain a regular inspection schedule, checking frequently for any signs of infestation. After all, you're protecting the biggest investment your family will ever make.

Even though 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 smartly constructed runways, usually about an inch wide, that the termites use as a passageway from the earth outside your home, straight into the house. This allows the colony to transport through a protected tunnel into your home, shielding them from external elements such as high temperatures and other natural predators, such as ants. Other indicators 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 dilemma. 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 been compromised by termites.

Since termite damage is a extended process, there's no need to panic at the first indication of possible infestation. Take some time in deciding how to deal with the issue. Decide for yourself whether you're best equipped to handle the situation, or you'd rather turn to a professional. Those choosing outside help should get a minimum of three estimates, bearing in mind that any warranty offered is only as good 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 invention in recent bait products, it may not automatically be your best option. As opposed to the Liquid Treatment, which uses a poison called termiticide to create a barricade around the house, bait treatments kill the whole colony by design. Situate bait stakes in the ground, near any place where you suspect termites. At the outset, 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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