It’s that time of the year again: termites are infesting homes more than ever. If you have never taken a moment to learn more about these destructive and problematic pests, today is just the day to do so. Here is everything you need to know about Termite Awareness Week and termites around Mooresville.
What Is Termite Awareness Week
Termite Awareness Week is a time to focus on what matters most; not termites, but the protection of our homes from these destructive pests. Held on the first full week before the start of spring, this event is meant to shed some light on termites and to show homeowners how to protect their homes from these destructive pests. To start, let’s talk a bit about how destructive these pests can be.
How Destructive Are Termites?
Termites cost homeowners here in America somewhere close to five billion dollars each year. What is interesting is that termites do not damage wood fast; it takes a fully mature colony of these small pests six months to a year to destroy a single 2 x 4 worth of wood. What makes termites so destructive is how quietly they invade homes.
By tunneling beneath the ground, crawling up into homes through cracks and gaps in their foundations, and chewing deep into structural wood, these pests do a good job of staying out of sight. Most often homeowners do not know termites are around until after serious structural damage starts to present itself, such as in overly squeaky floorboards, tight-fitting doors or windows, bubbling wallpaper/paint, and sagging drywall.
Some Ways To Prevent Termites
Termites are less likely to invade properties that don’t provide them with what they need. To help make your home and property less attractive to these wood-destroying pests, here are a few prevention tips to implement:
- Remove organic debris such as leaf piles, sticks, and fallen foliage from your yard.
- Remove wet cardboard, newspapers, and other paper-based products.
- Pull up dead tree stumps and remove fallen trees from your property.
- Trim trees and bushes back away from your home’s exterior foundation.
- Repair structural wood around your home that is water damaged, rotting or decaying.
- Store firewood and untreated lumber at least 30 feet from your home’s exterior.
- Use a caulk gun to fill holes, gaps, and cracks in your home’s exterior foundation.
- Avoid using wood-based mulch products near your home’s exterior.
- Fix leaky pipes and fixtures in and around your home.
- Make sure your gutters are in good working order.
- Use a dehumidifier indoors.
How To Identify A Termite Infestation
There is only one obvious sign that termites occasionally leave behind when they invade; mud tubes most often found crawling up the exterior of a home.
The only way to identify a termite infestation early, 100% of the time is to get a professional involved. They will have the training and industrial-grade equipment needed to effectively scan your home for termites.
When To Give The Professionals A Call
Termites are one of the most difficult pests to prevent properly. If you want to be 100% sure these wood-destroying insects stay off your property for good, let the experts at Lake Norman Home Services help. We only use industrial-grade equipment and products when handling invasive pests.
We also have the training and advanced pest control measures needed to get the job done right every time. Contact our team today by phone or through our website for any questions about termites or to schedule your Mooresville home for a thorough inspection.