Today, we want to share some of the key points of termite control in Elizabeth City and simple DIY prevention tips that you can start using right away.
It's no secret that termites can spell bad news for your property, and that's not just a myth. Over time, termites can cause substantial damage to your home, resulting in the need for incredibly costly repairs.
But the good news is that you don't have to let it happen. We know why termites do what they do and how to stop termites from getting into homes. And even if you currently have a termite problem, you can easily get the help you need to protect your home for years to come.
Termite Activity: How To Identify The Signs
The first thing to keep in mind is the various signs of termites. Now, keep in mind that termites are most common in the hidden parts of your home, like behind walls and underneath floors, which means that you're unlikely to actually see termites in your house unless it happens to be the time of the year when swarmer termites leave their colony. So, instead, you should focus on signs of termite damage, such as sagging floorboards, zigzag patterns in wood surfaces and supports, and small piles of termite droppings, which look similar to black pepper. Your doors and windows might also suddenly stick in place.
If you notice any of these signs or want a professional opinion, we highly recommend calling in a termite pro like Albemarle Termite & Pest Control.
Understanding The Termite Threat: Why Termites Infest Homes
Understanding the root of the termite problem can help you overcome it. In other words, you need to know the answer to what causes termites in the first place.
The simplest answer is moisture. Moisture of any kind weakens materials near and inside your home, making those materials easier for termites to eat their way through. Additionally, certain termite species require large amounts of moisture just to survive.
By reducing moisture and water problems in and around your home, termites will be far less likely to visit, which leads us to our list of effective termite prevention tips.
Protecting Your Property: Effective Termite Prevention Methods
Now, let's talk about how to prevent termites. As we just mentioned, moisture is the focus here, but it's certainly not the only point of interest. Try some of these strategies to deter termites:
- Repair any leaking pipes.
- Make sure that gutters are draining properly.
- Remove plants or other materials that are blocking vents.
- Keep firewood far from your house.
- Reduce humidity throughout your home with a dehumidifier or air conditioning.
- Remove rotting wood, such as stumps or fallen branches, from the area around your home.
Reducing termite attractants is important for keeping your home safe from termites all year. On the other hand, if there are already termites in your home, you should move from prevention to control.
Professional Termite Control: Calling In The Experts
So why is professional termite control the best solution to a termite problem? Because pest control professionals have the training, the know-how, and the equipment needed to address termite problems at the source rather than just treating the symptoms.
Pest control services can also provide useful termite inspections on a regular basis to seek out and identify the warning signs of emerging termite problems early on, removing the need for extensive termite treatments in the future.
Even if you're just curious to learn more about termite control or get personalized prevention recommendations, a local pest control service is an excellent resource. For termite control near you, contact Albemarle Termite & Pest Control today.