Cold Winter Weather Makes Home More Vulnerable To Termite Infestations

Oh, the weather outside may be frightful, but what is going on inside the walls of unprotected homes can be even more frightful. Snow, ice, and wind are notorious for leaving properties damaged come springtime, and this can leave homes vulnerable to the most destructive pests. Namely, termites. This article will alert you to the property threats that are posed by these wood-eating insects, and will give several do-it-yourself tips on how to detect and prevent an infestation.

Termites, which cost property owners more than $5 billion annually, are known as “silent destroyers” because of their ability of chew through many parts of your home completely undetected. Things like wood, flooring, and even wallpaper can be destroyed silently without anyone even noticing, until it is too late. And most homeowners insurance policies do not cover termite damage.

In springtime, termites will come out of hiding in search of mates and to find new structures in which to establish new colonies which, if we are unlucky, may be our homes. Unfortunately, these insects can be hard to spot, so it is important for homeowners to know the signs of termite activity. The following is a list of the three top things to look out for:

1. Discarded wings. These are usually found near closed windows, doors, and other access points. When termites swarm to start a new colony, they twist off their wings upon landing, because they will never use those wings again. These wings will be white in color and uniform in size.

2. Mud Tubes. Where the ground meets your home, these pencil-sized mud tubes will be found if you have termites. To find out if these tubes are actively being used, break off a piece and then check it a few days later. If it has been repaired, you are looking at an active termite infestation.

3. Wood damage. Termites chew through wood, leaving behind long grooves. Over time, these grooves weaken the wood and cause costly structural damage.

Some valuable tips to prevent a termite infestation:

• Store firewood at least 20 feet from your home, and up off the ground.

• Create an 18-inch gap around your home between soil and wood by using crushed rock or some other material.

• Make sure there is no standing water near your home.

• Replace weather-stripping and repair loose mortar around your foundation.

• Repair soffits and rotted roof shingles

• Repair any water leaks inside and outside your home.

• Keep your home, especially the basement, attic, and crawl spaces, dry and well ventilated.

If you have done all you can to keep these home-destroying pests out, but you are seeing the signs of an infestation, consider having a termite inspection done. The sooner you get these creatures out of your home, the less cash you will have to shell out for repairs. Here at Russell’s Pest Control, we’ve been helping folks keep their homes pest free since 1971 and our pest control technicians have a Category 7 certification, which is classified as Industrial, Institutional, Structural Pest Control and Health-Related Pest Control. If you have a problem with termites, you can trust Russell’s Pest Control to give you industry-leading service and guaranteed protection.