Check Your Home for These Signs of Termites

Did you know that termites cause over $1 billion in damage to homes across the United States each year? If you’re a homeowner, that’s a terrifying stat, however, it’s better to know than to be left in the dark. Termites are one of the most dangerous pests when it comes to the wellbeing of your home. Being able to spot a termite threat early on may save you time and money in repairs. Better yet, seeking preventive treatment for your home with a chemical barrier can stop termites from ever getting inside. If you haven’t taken any measures to prevent termites from getting inside, it’s time to check your home for these signs.

Inspect the Walls, Floors, and Ceilings of Your Home for Damage

Termites often make their way inside the walls of your home and eat away at the infrastructure from within. This makes them difficult to spot before serious damage has occurred. If you notice damage inside the home, you likely already have a pretty serious infestation. This is the best place to start though. If you notice damaged or hollow-sounding wood in any part of your home, investigate further. What’s the cause of this damage? Little pinholes in drywall or wallpaper may be entry or exit points for the termites as well.

Inspect the Exterior of Your Home for Termite Entry as Well

Some termites can create mud tubes (which look like tunnels) to travel above and below ground. If you notice these tube-like holes in the dirt surrounding your foundation — or even running up the side of your foundation — this may be where termites have entered your home. You’ll also want to inspect the exterior of your home for the same damages you’d notice inside. Wood that feels papery or thin to the touch may have been eaten away from the inside.

What Can You Do to Treat Termites?

The two primary methods used to eliminate termites from the home are fumigation and heat treatment. Heat treatment can be used as a spot treatment to kill termites in a particular area. However, it’s often difficult to diagnose how extensive the termite infestation is. If you fail to kill all of the termites with a heat treatment, they can repopulate and continue damaging your home. Fumigation uses gas to fill the entire home, making it a comprehensive termite treatment. The preparation for this process is more extensive than for heat treatment, but if you want to be sure you’ve eliminated all termites, it’s the way to go.

Carmel Valley Pest Control Offers Fumigation and Termite Control Services

If your home has been infested with termites, Carmel Valley Pest Control can help you prep for fumigation. Carmel Valley also offers construction services to help you rebuild after you’ve gotten rid of the termites. Our termite control agreement includes an inspection and treatment annually or as needed. To schedule service, contact Carmel Valley Pest Control in Carmel Valley, CA, today at (858) 350-8838, (760) 736-8838, or (888) 989-8838.