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Termites are among the most troublesome type of insects found in the area. Often known as a “silent destroyer”, they can cause significant structural damage to your property before you even know an infestation is present. Termites feed mostly on dead plants and trees, which includes the wood found in and around our homes. In fact, many homes provide an ideal environment for termites, leaving your home foundations, furniture, shelves, books, carpets and insulation at risk.
Although they are only about a centimeter in length, termites can cause significant damage to your home and personal belongings. So how can you spot termites in your home? Common warning signs of an infestation may include:
- Swarm of winged insects found in or around the home
- Discarded wings found in the home
- Wood that appears to be hollow
- Presence of mud tubes on walls, wooden beams or crawl spaces
If you notice any of these signs, it is best to contact a professional to correctly identify the termites and provide the best treatment against them.
Preventing Termites
The best treatment for termites is to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. While this is not always possible, there are certain precautions you can take to protect your home against these pesky insects. Termites thrive in moist areas, so it is often helpful to eliminate these areas from your home. Avoid letting water accumulate near the foundation of the home, and any water should be diverted away from your home by gutters, downspouts or splash blocks. All leaking faucets and pipes should be repaired.
As with any type of insect, all potential entry points should be sealed to keep pests out. It is also recommended to keep wood away from the foundation of the house since termites feed on it. A certified Parkway pest expert can provide customized prevention tools for after assessing your property.
Eliminating Termites
If termites are found on your property, there are a few options available to effectively eliminate them. The conventional method is through using a chemical called a termiticide, which is placed within the soil around the property to prevent termites from getting through. Although effective, this option requires drilling and minor changes to the foundation of your property.
The second option for termite elimination is through baiting systems. Parkway Pest Services uses the Sentricon® Colony Elimination system for effective termite control, which strategically places baiting systems throughout your property to destroy the entire termite colony.
To learn more about Parkway’s comprehensive termite services, please feel free to contact us and schedule an appointment.