Pictures of Different Types of Termites

Your Guide to Termite Inspections

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Termites are pests that should concern any homeowner. Each year, they cause billions of dollars' worth of damage in the United States. Even though termites primarily eat wood, they can also damage other things in your home, including filtration systems, insulation, swimming pool liners, books and paper. Termite infestations are mostly hidden behind walls, floors and insulation and can go undetected for years. Knowing what to look for and what to do if you spot termites in your home can save you a lot of money in the long run.

How to Tell You Have Termites

One of the first things you may notice with termites is clicking noises inside your walls. This sound is made by soldier termites alerting the colony of potential dangers by banging their heads against the wall. You may also come across frass, which is termite droppings. White ants and flying termites can also indicate a problem. Termites cause damage to floors, ceilings and walls, so look for signs of damage throughout your home. Pay close attention to floors that feel spongy or walls that sound hollow.

What Occurs During an Inspection

Professional termite exterminators are located everywhere. If you notice signs of termites, it's best to call in a professional exterminator to evaluate the problem and recommend the best termite treatment. Exterminators will search for signs of swarmers, such as discarded wings, and look for mud tubes near pipes, crawl spaces and foundations as well as the attic. Mud tubes are the entry way for termites to travel in and out of your home. Exterminators also check wood mulch, firewood, deadwood and wooden fences for signs of termites. After identifying the problem, they will discuss the estimated termite treatment cost.

Exterminating the Problem

Exterminators know the best termite chemical to eliminate the problem you have. The most common types of extermination methods include fumigation, liquid and foam sprays, and bait systems. Fumigations are used in the most serious infestation cases to kill termites on contact. Exterminators use bait systems to lure termites away from your property and eradicate them with an agent they take back to their colony. If you don't have termites inside your home but do have them around the outside of your property, liquid and foam sprays are useful because they kill on contact before the termites enter your house.

If you need proof that your home has been inspected and is clear of termites before selling your home, you need to get a termite inspection letter. It may also be known as a termite inspection report.

Getting Rid of Termites on Your Own

If you want to tackle your termite problem on your own, Sentricon termite treatment is an effective bait system. This do-it-yourself method wipes out the entire termite population using environmentally-friendly methods. You can also try digging a trench around any problematic areas and spraying a non-repellent termite insecticide to drive termites away and into the poison. Orange oil is another termite treatment, also killing on contact, but it isn't effective at preventing future infestations.

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Pictures of Different Types of Termites

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