If there is one pest known for causing property damage, it’s the termite. While there are some pests in the area that are mostly a nuisance, termites are not one of them. They are able to do a great deal of property damage, and they often start destroying your home or business long before you’re aware of the infestation.
While termites are often good at hiding, and you might notice other signs first, you can identify them by sight if you know what they look like. Here is how to tell termites apart from other insects:
They are usually a cream color but can be brown or black.
They have long, thin bodies.
Termite swarmers, which are one kind of termite in their caste system, have translucent wings. Most termites do not have wings.
They have six legs and a pair of antennae.
Their bodies look ribbed.
Despite their small size, termites can eat through many wooden structures throughout a building. The average homeowner who deals with termite damage will spend about $3,000 in repairs.
What Are The Signs Of A Termite Problem?
Because termites can do thousands of dollars worth of property damage to a home or building, knowing the signs of an infestation is vital. By understanding what to look out for, you can spot an infestation early on before extensive damage occurs. Sometimes, termite infestations can be ongoing for months or even longer before individuals notice, but knowing these signs can help you catch infestations in their early stages.
While there are other signs you might notice first, seeing a termite is a surefire indication of infestation.
Noticing discarded wings that are a translucent or pale white.
Having discolored drywall.
Tight-fitting doors and windows that weren’t before.
Buckling and squeaking floorboards.
Hollow sounding wood around the building.
Noticing small holes in the drywall.
Peeling paint that looks similar to water damage.
Are There Ways To Prevent Termites?
Since termites are so destructive, not to mention hard to remove, taking steps to prevent them before they become a problem is important. There are tips you can follow to help make your property less appealing to termites and greatly reduce the risk of an infestation. Overall, it’s worth noting that termites are especially attracted to damp, dark environments.
Here are some of the best termite prevention methods:
Limit soil to wood contact from the building’s foundation.
Get rid of any wood with water damage.
Store firewood at least 30 feet away from the exterior of your home or business.
Keep basements and crawl spaces well-ventilated.
Repair any leaky pipes or faucets.
Remove decaying organic matter like leaf piles from your property.
Get pest prevention help from experts.
The Most Effective Way To Protect Your Home From Termites
If you’ve noticed any of the above signs of termites around your Peoria property, trying to handle the problem on your own isn’t a good idea. You’ll likely just end up losing a lot of time and money. Instead, get help from the pest experts at Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators. Our technicians focus on the complete elimination of termites, so you don’t have to keep dealing with infestations. Contact us today to get started and book a free inspection. Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control options.