Homeowners will typically ensure their home is safe and secure. However, a common and overlooked source of damage comes from within your own home. Termite damage often goes unseen for years before its serverity is noticed. Termites typically only swarm at certain times of the year, but they are active all year round. Pest infestations, particularly termite infestations, are among the most destructive issues a homeowner can face. In fact, termite infestations damage well over a half million — 600,000 — U.S. homes annually. In addition, each year, termites cause an estimated $5 billion in property damage — costs that typically aren’t covered by homeowners’ insurance policies.
How is this possible? Termites continuously chomp on the wood inside your home all day, everyday.
As such, pest control should be among your top priorities, especially if you live in humid areas that are prone to termite infestations. Now that spring is officially here, it’s the perfect time to contact your local pest control company in order to schedule an inspection. Even if you don’t suspect you have a termite or any other kind of pest infestation, it doesn’t hurt to have a check up. After all, the best pest control is preventative maintenance.
However, before your scheduled inspection, there are signs you can look for around your home that may be indicative of a possible termite infestation. For example hollow-sounding wood is usually a sign that termites lay lurking under the surface. Even if the wood’s surface appears smooth, there could be extensive damage underneath. Also, cracked or distorted paint on wood surfaces can be a sign of a possible infestation. Swarming drywood termites are able to squeeze through openings thinner than the edge of a dime; therefore it’s important to keep an eye out for any cracks in your home’s foundation, especially close to roof siding, vents, and windows.