Your home is a place of many things. First, it is where you and your family live. It is where you entertain guests, have meaningful conversations, get creative, etc. Your home is a safe space for your belongings and memories. Sometimes, unfortunately, your home can also be a meal for termites. Termites are one of the most common pests that homeowners have to deal with in the U.S. These small insects can cause a lot of damage to your home if they are not dealt with in a timely manner. Throughout the nation, termites cause about $5 billion in damage to homes each year!

What are Termites?

Termites are an insect that can cause a lot of damage to your home if they aren't dealt with in a timely manner. These small insects are a part of the Isoptera order and there are over 2,000 different species of termites. Termites are often mistaken for ants but they are actually more closely related to cockroaches. Termites eat wood and need water to survive. They work and live in colonies underground, and travel from one infested spot to another. Termites feed on other parts of your home such as drywall, wallpaper, insulation, and even paint.

Termites mostly live in tropical and sub-tropical areas but they can be found in other areas as well. In the United States, there are three main types of termites that homeowners have to deal with. These types are drywood, dampwood, and subterranean. Drywood termites are the most common type of termite in the United States. In some cases, subterranean termites can be present in some areas of the state.

Signs of Termites in Your Home

Scared of having termites in your home? We don't blame you! To keep yourself prepared and in the know, there are several signs to look for if you have termites.

• Small pinholes in wood pr drywall where termites have bitten through
• Buckling wood in floors
• Bubbling or peeling wallpaper
• Peeling paint that resembles water damage
• Loose tiles
• Wood that sounds hollow when tapped
• Swarmers (groups of physical termites)

If you see any of these signs in your home, it's important to call a termite extermination professional as soon as possible. The sooner you catch the problem, the less damage there will be.

How Can I Prevent Termites?

The best way to prevent termites is by being proactive. You can do this in a few different ways:

• Make sure there is no wood-to-soil contact around your home. This means removing any dead trees or branches, stumps, and anything else that might be touching your home.
• Keep gutters and drains clean and clear of debris so that water can flow freely.
• Repair any leaks in your home, no matter how small.
• Have a professional inspect your home regularly for termites.

For more pest prevention tips for the spring, check out this blog!

Termite Control

Dealing with termites can be a nightmare for any homeowner. If you suspect that you may have a termite infestation, contact Solve Pest Pros! We will come to your home and inspect for termites as well as any other pests. We will develop a customized plan to get rid of your termite problem quickly and efficiently. We are a local company that understands the local environment, and we care about our customers. Schedule today to get started!