Getting rid of termites is hard work, but paying for expensive termite damage can be even harder. Termites threaten the structural integrity of your home or business, causing extensive wood destruction that can cost thousands to repair. Effective termite control on your Pensacola property is in the best interest of your safety and your bank account.
What To Know About Termites
Termites can be a terror for property owners, but in the wild, these tiny bugs are some of nature’s best recyclers. Like ants and bees, termites are social insects that live in expansive colonies made up of thousands of members. They feed on cellulose-rich plants and wood which they break down into nutrient-rich soil, helping new plants to grow. However, as beneficial as they are to the environment, termites are nothing but trouble for homes and businesses.
It’s estimated that around 600,000 Americans deal with termite problems every year. Damage can range from sagging drywall to warped structural wood to total collapse of floors and walls in the most extreme cases. On average, termite repairs cost about $3,000 or more per household.
Broadly speaking, termites can be categorized as either drywood, dampwood, or subterranean types. Of these, subterranean termites are the most common in the U.S., easily identified by the crude mud tubes that they use to connect their underground colonies to buildings.
While you would think that you would notice an infestation of hungry insects devouring your property, termites can be surprisingly sneaky pests.
How To Tell If You Have A Termite Problem
The sad reality of termite infestations is that many property owners don’t realize they have a problem until it’s too late. Despite all the destruction, termites don’t make much noise and leave relatively few signs of their presence. After all, they’re busy at work in walls, floors, and other structural elements where you can’t see.
But you can tell if you have a termite problem with some of the following indicators:
- Frass – This powdery substance is expelled by termites as they excavate. It resembles sawdust and appears in small piles.
- Bubbles – If you see bubbles or blisters in your wood flooring, it’s often a sign of termites.
- Tubes – Subterranean termite mud tubes may appear along the foundation.
- Swarmers – Winged termite swarmers are a sign of a developed termite colony nearby.
Since termites are so difficult to detect, annual termite inspects are essential for keeping your property safe. An inspection today could save you from serious financial expenses tomorrow.
Why You Shouldn’t Deal With Termites On Your Own
Frankly, dealing with termites on your own is a waste of time and money. These methods often fail to eliminate termites at the source, allowing the problem to persist. Some DIY termite control methods to avoid are:
- Diatomaceous earth – Termites will shrivel and die when they make contact with this powdery substance, but application is messy and ultimately useless without proper targeting.
- Orange oil – Orange oil is somewhat effective against drywood termites. But since most homes are infested by subterranean termites, this method often fails.
- Baiting stations – Store-bought baiting stations can provide results, but can also be completely ignored by your termites. Without proper placement, baiting stations don’t work.
How To Get Rid Of Termites
If you’ve got termites on your Pensacola property, the best way to combat the problem is with expert termite control assistance from Ensec of Florida. We’ll perform a thorough inspection of your property for all signs of termite activity and treat your infestation with industry-leading Sentricon® System with HD Always Active™. We’ll return for regular follow-up visits and can provide wood-destroying insect reports upon request. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you!