Guide To Home Improvement - Rid Your Home of Termites

To the average termite, your home is nothing more than a delicious wooden feast. Given enough time, termites can do significant damage to the structure of your home. If you see signs of termites, take action immediately and call an exterminator before it's too late.

The Warning Signs

Most termite infestations start out in the structural beams of basements or in wooden posts, steps, and door frames of exposed areas. If you notice holes in the wood structures of your house, or sagging of floors and doors, termites may be the culprits. Another clear indication is the presence of insect wings, which the termites shed as they age. Winged termites are often confused with flying carpenter ants. The best way to tell them apart is that termites' wings are about twice the length of their body, while ants' wings are much shorter.

Call in the Pros

If you suspect an infestation, act quickly and call a professional. When the structure and value of your home is on the line, you don't want to take any chances with ineffective extermination measures. The first thing that the exterminators will do is perform a thorough inspection to determine the level of infestation, and assess the level of damage. Next, the exterminators will help you to identify the best way to deal with your pest problem.

Weighing Your Options

Most exterminators prefer to use specific insecticides designed to kill termites while keeping your family safe. Others will bait the insects, which generally takes a bit longer but avoids spreading chemicals throughout your home. The termite exterminator can help you prevent future infestations by sealing entry points such as doors and windows. Even if you don't currently have an infestation, it might be a good idea to call an exterminator for tips on how to keep your home termite-free.

Source:
Termite Control Fact Sheet

About the Author
John Tuthill is an aspiring beekeeper and horticulturist. He lives in Missoula, Montana.