There are many awful things that can happen to a homeowner. A tree falling on your house, your furnace blowing up in the middle of a deep freeze, or discovering black mold in your basement are a few of those things. One of the most horrifying things that can happen to you as a homeowner is discovering termites have been eating away at the insides of your wooden structures for years. But there is something even more horrifying than this; discovering extensive termite damage, then discovering that your homeowner's insurance policy does not cover termite damage!
Termite control in Davenport is considered "regular maintenance," by most insurance companies and is not usually covered by a homeowners policy. Most insurance companies hold to the idea that it is the homeowner's responsibility to take the necessary steps to avoid termite damage. But termite control requires the use of products such as the Sentricon® System with Always Active™, which is not available to consumers, or the application of termiticides, which require specialized equipment such as pumps, large-capacity tanks, masonry drills, soil treatment rods, and more. For termite protection, the help of a professional pest control company is imperative.
How To Identify Termites And The Damage They Leave Behind
If you were to break off part of a rotting stump in the forest, or perhaps tear out a wall in your home, and see a mass of "little white things" or "little white ants" you are likely looking at termite workers. These represent the majority of a termite colony and are responsible for many tasks, including constructing tunnels. Soldiers look much like workers except that they are larger and have an enlarged, hardened head containing two large jaws to defend against predators. Winged reproductives are termites that have a set of transparent wings. These only appear briefly in spring and fall and can be easily missed.
Early signs of termites include mud tubes on foundations, the presence of winged reproductives, or termite evidence outside your home. You may have places on the outside of your home where it is moist and shady and where the wood of your home touches the soil. If termites have been active there, it will look like knives have been used to carve the wood.
If these wood-destroying insects are not halted, you may begin to have ceilings that sag, floors that slope, or walls that bulge. You may also notice that doors and windows do not open and close easily anymore. And, if a wall is torn out, it may become abundantly clear you have termites if, where wood should be solid, it is porous and has troughs and channels.
How Quik-Kill Can Help
The last thing a homeowner needs is to be left with a substantial bill when termites are discovered. The damage caused by these insects can create structural damage that is unrepairable if left untreated long enough. If you have noticed termites or the signs they leave at your Davenport, IL home, or you simply want to be proactive in protecting your investment, contact us at Quik-Kill Pest Control today for assistance.