Do you suspect that nasty termites are wandering around your home? If you have a feeling that you have termites, then you must act fast. A termite problem is not something that you can ignore because the consequences are enormous. Here is a quick summary of what you need to know about termites.
The Symptoms
Open up your ears – do you hear a quiet clicking sound in the walls? If so, that is a sign that you might have termites. When the colony gets disturbed, termites will shake their bodies or band their heads on the wood to alert other termites that there is danger. You should also open your eyes and watch out for flying termites, which are called alates or swarmers. These termites are females and males that leave to start a new colony. If you see discarded wings, that could be from the flying termites because they lose their wings once they get a mate.
People often think that they see white ants in their home, but take a closer look. Termites look a lot like ants, so many people often mistake termites for ants. However, there are apparent differences that distinguish an ant from a termite. For instance, termites are often lighter in color; they will be creamy or white and sometimes nearly translucent (you should also know that there are no white ants). The termite’s waist section is also much thicker than one of an ant.
Why It Is Dangerous
Every year, termites create billions of dollars in damage in the U.S. alone. They mostly live off of wood, but they can also damage filtration systems, swimming pool liners, insulation, books, and paper. They will damage mortar joints, drywall, plaster, and even metal sliding! They can also damage the foundation of your home, which puts your whole family in danger.
Termites pose a danger more than your home because they can bother humans as well. Soldier termites will sting or bite when handled or threatened, which will lead to pain and itchiness. Termite nests release dust and particles, which can trigger asthma and allergies because the dirt will enter your home through air conditioning and heating systems. Since termites prefer environments with moist wood, it encourages mold growth in your home as well, which is dangerous for many people, especially those with respiratory issues.
How You Should Deal with It
Many people try to suggest natural methods or DIY kits that get rid of termites, but you should not attempt to get rid of them yourself. If you do so, it might be a waste of effort – there is a high chance that you could not do a good enough job to get rid of all of them. If you leave a few termites alive, they will start a whole new colony, and you would be back to square one. To get rid of every pest in your home, you need to get professional services for home pest control in Virginia Beach.
If you see signs of termites in your home, move quickly. Please get rid of them immediately to keep your family and your home safe!
