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The subterranean termites we have in Franklin are very destructive pests. When they get into a home or business, they can cause damage that is difficult to fix. This can eat into the retirement savings for Franklin residents, and be the straw that breaks the camel's back for Franklin business owners. That's why we've put together this quick list of termite do's and don'ts. Let's start with the dos.
DO Learn How To Make Your Home Less Appealing To Termites.
As a Franklin homeowner, you should take steps to reduce the conditions that attract subterranean termites to your home not just to keep termites away, but also for the health of your home, and the health of everyone living inside your home.
Moisture: The key attractant for termites is moisture. When the wood of your home is soaked because of a clogged or faulty gutter system, it can cause wood rot. This wood rot attracts wood-damaging pests that create holes. The holes that are created allow more moisture to get in. This results in damp conditions that allow mold to take root. Address moisture conditions to resist termites.
Wood: If you have stacks of wood near your home, or a wood source in your yard, such as a wood fence, deck, patio, landscape borders, stumps, brush piles, construction materials, etc. they will lure termites to feed in your yard. When they do, they'll feed on your home at the same time. Keep wood sources away from your home and consider replacing wood borders with stone borders.
Leaves: Leaf litter is a food source for termites and it creates damp conditions underneath, which are also attractive to termites. Keep leaves raked up and away from your home.
But DON'T go without termite protection.
While you can reduce attractants and make your home less appealing to termites, you shouldn't go without ongoing, always active, termite protection. Termites can attack your home no matter what conditions are present around it.
DO learn how to identify a termite infestation
There are a few ways you can detect subterranean termite activity. It is important that you are aware of them.
Swarmers: Termite swarmers are ⅜ of an inch long, black insects with white wings. Swarms occur in spring.
Shelter tubes: These are tubes made from soil and moisture. They can be found on hard surfaces outside and inside your home.
Wood damage: Termites create damage inside wood that looks like trenches stacked on top of each other. You might find damage in locations that are dark and moist.
Hollow wood: If you tap on wood and it sounds hollow, there are likely to be termite or carpenter ant tunnels inside.
But DON'T put your complete trust in personal home inspections.
If you're thinking that you'll be able to protect your home from termites by keeping an eye out for the warning signs, you're likely to be disappointed. Termites are sneaky. Termite swarmers only swarm for about 30 minutes. Shelter tubes are usually created in dark places that are hard to get into. And most of the damage termites do to wood is on the inside.
DO call a professional with expertise in termite control.
If you have discovered termites, or you don't want to ever discover termites in you Franklin home, get in touch with a termite control professional like All-American Pest Control. When you have someone with expertise exterminate termites or install active termite protection around your home, you'll get the results you're looking for.
Please DON'T attempt to treat or get rid of termites on your own.
If you fail to eliminate the termites that are eating your home, would you know it? That's the biggest reason to contact a licensed professional. A professional knows how to monitor for termite activity and make sure your home isn't being destroyed.
Do you have more questions about termites? We'd be happy to answer them. Reach out to us anytime. The termite control experts here at All-American Pest Control are always available to help.