They say the best offense is a great defense, which rings true for termite control. In Kansas City, subterranean termites can be found anywhere. Many homeowners are at risk of running into expensive repairs if they’re unsure of what to look for and how to prevent termite damage before it starts.
Our team of experts at Advantage Termite & Pest Control will show you preventable measures you can take to spot termites, the types of damage they can cause, and the Sentricon Always Active Colony Elimination System solution that not only eliminates termites colonies, but provides 24/7 protection around your home to ensure they don’t return.
Termite Damage
No unprotected structure is immune from an infestation, and since termites can get inside without being noticed, they often remain undetected for months or even years, causing extensive damage.
- Did you know? Termites are active year-round in most states (they’ve been found in every state except Alaska!). For that reason, termite damage impacts nearly 600,000 homes each year.
- If termite damage is discovered, the average cost to repair the destruction can be thousands of dollars.
- Fortunately, most termite colonies take five years to become sizable enough to cause damage, so there is plenty of time to prevent destruction before it begins.
Termite Prevention
In order to take preventative measures to combat termite damage, we recommend these industry-standard techniques:
- Get annual Have a professional technician come out to perform a thorough inspection of the interior and exterior of your home to identify any termite activity. Stop termite damage before it starts. Installing the Sentricon Always Active Termite Bait System will prevent termites from damaging your home.
- Proper drainage: Since termites are drawn to moisture, make sure all spigots and gutters have proper drainage that leads away from your foundation so moisture cannot build up around the base of your house.
- Remove targeted material: Keep any cellulose material such as mulch, stumps, and firewood at least 25 feet away from the house, and if you do have mulch near your home, ensure proper barriers.
- Remove easy access points: At the base of your home, there should always be a minimum of four inches between the ground and any siding so termites only have access to your concrete foundation or any barriers listed above.
Identifying Termites and Termite Damage
According to the Entomology Department at the University of Kentucky, the most common way to identify termite damage is by locating “mud tubes” or “mud tunnels.” Termites construct them to move from their colony to other food sources throughout the structure they are feeding on. Another telltale sign of termite infestation is hollowed-out wood with tunnels throughout the inside. And finally, if you see rotted wood on a structure, there’s a good chance termites caused the destruction.
Many times, identifying termites and termite damage can be a difficult task. The outer surface of termite-damaged wood typically remains intact, making it challenging to recognize. For example, if you suspect termite damage on the siding of your house, it’s not easy to disassemble to check if termites or tunnels are inside since the outside may look like normal wear and tear.
Spring is a great time of year to look for potential termite infestation, as they will be more prevalent due to the newly accumulated moisture. If you see any insects flying around inside or outside of your home, try to identify the type of bug. Keep in mind that termites have 4 wings all equal in size, and are twice as long as their body. Flying termites are known as swarmers and it’s likely there is at least one termite colony nearby if you see a termite swarmers.
Didn’t have termites last year? That doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Termites start new colonies every year, which is why consistent preventative treatment is so crucial.
Click here to explore more about the harmful impact of termites and the importance of a pest-free space.
What’s Next
The Advantage Termite & Pest Control team is ready to eliminate termites in your home! We specialize in termite prevention, damage, and control, as well as other pest and lawn care solutions. Our professional pest control technicians are equipped to handle termites, bed bugs, fleas, ticks, mosquitos, rodents, wildlife removal, bats, squirrels, and more.
Whether it’s residential or commercial, pests don’t discriminate. Call us today to schedule a FREE appointment for your home or business.
