You're not going to hear them or see them, but termites getting into your house will cause more expensive damage than any other invasive pest. And worst of all, homeowners' insurance will not cover the repairs.
In Maryland, termites are a very common problem, with hundreds of houses being infested in the Pasadena area every year.
There are thousands of termite species in the world, but if you have termites in your Pasadena home, it's likely either subterranean termites or drywood termites.
- Subterranean termites are the smallest commonly seen species in Pasadena. They usually grow only to 1/4 of an inch long and are creamy white to black on the color spectrum; however, the reproductives in the colony can reach sizes between 3/8 and 1/2 an inch. The problem with subterranean termites stems from their name. Subterranean termites live underground in huge colonies. The only indication they exist on your property, and one of the only ways you may know you have a termite problem, is if you spot mud tubes running up to your house, usually along the foundation. They build these mud tubes when they leave their underground colonies and travel through them as a means of protection from predators and to keep themselves from drying out. Otherwise, you may not find out they've invaded your home until after their damage becomes extensive.
- Drywood termites are usually 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch long and creamy white to light brown. They prefer to feast on dry wood, just the sort from which we build our homes. Drywood termites live in relatively small colonies of up to 2500 members and commonly swarmer directly into homes, right through the attic. They are also frequently brought inside in items already infested, such as that antique side table you found at a secondhand store.
Let's look at signs of a termite infestation to watch out for, a few termite prevention tips, and, just in case prevention fails, where to find reliable pest control in Pasadena.
A Guide To Identifying Termite Damage
Spotting wood damaged by termites can be tricky since the damage often looks like other wood defects. Floors that suddenly sag more than they used to, buckling drywall on the walls and ceilings, etched termite roads on the wood, or wood that looks rotten but has had no exposure to moisture are all signs of termite damage in your home.
Easy-To-Spot Signs Of Termites In The Walls Of Your Home
Termites don't make noise, and since they mostly stay within the wood they tunnel through, you're not likely to spot one running across your floor. A colony of termites can have hundreds of thousands of members, each happily chewing through the lumber that literally supports the roof over your head. The key to dealing with a termite infestation without accruing astronomic repair bills is to spot signs of termites in your Pasadena home early and have a professional on the job fast.
Watch for the following telltale cues:
- Blistered paint on the wood itself
- Hollow-sounding walls when you knock on them
- Small holes and little piles of wood sawdust called wood frass by them
- Mud tunnels leading up your house from the ground
- Piles of shed termite swarmer wings
Termite infestations in Pasadena are often not noticed for years, with damage accumulating into the need for serious and expensive repairs.
Is There Way To Prevent Termites In My Home?
The best way to deal with a termite infestation is to prevent it in the first place.
- Keep water away from your home's foundation.
- Repair plumbing leaks.
- Keep basements and crawlspaces well-ventilated.
- Treat any wood that comes in contact with the soil.
In the spring and summer, when you see winged termites (swarmers) around your property, make sure there is no way for them to gain access to the house.
Is There Way To Prevent Termites In My Home?
The tips mentioned above to keep termites away from your house are a good start but adding an annual termite inspection will guarantee to catch an infestation early and dispose of them promptly.
If you're worried about termites infesting your Pasadena home, contact us at Accutech Pest Management today and get started on our effective termite control services in Pasadena.