What would you do if you found out your home had ten thousand dollars worth of termite damage? Most homeowners would be in shock. Of course, you may think this would never happen to you. Besides, wouldn’t this just be covered by your homeowner's insurance? Unfortunately, it wouldn’t. They consider termite damage to be a “preventable disaster.” If you are here today because you want to know how to identify termites, you are in the right place. This is what you should know about these pests and how to keep them away from your Long Island home and property. For immediate help dealing with an active termite infestation on your property, call our team at Parkway Pest Services for expert pest control in Long Island. We would be happy to help you deal with these pests fast.
Clear Signs Of Termite Activity
Termites are not the easiest pests to identify. They might just be the hardest. Why? Let's take subterranean termites as an example. This common local species lives underground and uses tunnels to invade the structural wood of homes. If there is no direct soil-to-wood contact, they will build mud tubs upwards. These tubes are difficult to spot and are sometimes built inside cracks and gaps in foundational concrete. The only clear signs of termites show up after these pests have caused severe damage and include sagging drywall, bubbling paint, dipping floors and ceilings, buckling beams, and visible galley ways running through structural wood. Schedule your home for a detailed termite inspection to identify these pests early.
Why Termites Infest And Destroy Wooden Structures
There is one thing termites love above all else: wood. Why? Because wood contains cellulose, and termites eat cellulose. This is their job. In nature, termites consume fallen trees, dead stumps, sticks, leaves, and other similar items. The woods would be filled with debris if it wasn’t for these insects. One thing you should know is that subterranean termites consume water-damaged wood. They look for this when invading area homes. If your structural wood is affected in this way, you are liable to have a problem on your hands. At Parkway Pest Services, we are all about solving pest problems.
Factors That Attract Termites To Your Home
You already know termites like wood. The question is, is wood the only thing that draws these pests to Long Island properties? Most often, termites build nests near smaller sources of food like wet cardboard, newspapers, untreated lumber, or wood piles. They then look for more tasty treats nearby. If you don’t want termites to find your home, here are a few prevention tips to try:
- Clean up sticks and leaves from your yard.
- Pick up cardboard, newspaper, and other wood-based items.
- Store firewood at least 30 feet from your home’s exterior.
- Remove dead trees and stumps from your property.
- Repair or replace water-damaged wood around your home.
For more help keeping termites away, partner with the experts at Parkway Pest Services. We offer comprehensive options to help members of our community avoid destructive insects.
The Best Thing To Do If You Spot Signs Of Termite Damage
If you suspect your home has a termite problem, do not hesitate to involve the experts at Parkway Pest Services. We will assess the condition of your home, identify any existing termite problems, and implement fast-working treatments to give these pests the boot.
Call today and learn what Long Island pest control should look like. One of our friendly service technicians will walk you through our termite control options and find a service time that works best for you and your home.