Southern Maine Termite Exterminator
When you hear the word “termite,” the natural reaction is to cringe and then panic. A termite infestation is devastating for any building, but especially so when it’s your home. Your family and your life are in that house and a termite infestation threatens to harm them.
At first, you may not be all that concerned. You think, “What can a tiny bug do to my big house?” The trouble is that it’s not just the one termite; it is a swarm of termites. And with their mincing jaws, they eat their way through the foundation of your home.
This means structural integrity and safety are major concerns. Termites attack wood. This may include your siding, decks and stairs, internal framing and joists, and much worse. Homes can become unsafe due to intense termite damage and may require you to leave the property for a span of time if walls or ceilings lose their integrity.
Repair work costs in the thousands. This is due to the fact of how much typically needs to be rebuilt in the process. Termites can progress quickly, causing unseen damage within your home before you even realize they are there.
Save yourself the time and energy of rebuilding by spotting the signs of a termite infestation before it gets going.
Risks Factors in Homes for Termites
What can make your home more disposed to termites? Dampness is the number one attractive element in a home for termites hoping to burrow into your structures.
That is why it is extremely important to stay on top of rotting window sills, backed-up gutters, leaking showers, and more. When water gets into the wood of your house it can cause many problems, but making an ideal home for termites is one of them.
Another risk factor is when a home is built close to the ground, such as on a slab foundation. This proximity of your siding to the dirt opens up opportunities for termites to easily make their way inside.
Signs of Infestation
Since you likely won’t see the actual termites themselves, there are other things you can look for if you believe you have an infestation.
Like most pest infestations, you will be able to see droppings. Termite droppings are small, rigid, and are wood-colored.
There will also be signs of mud tunnels. These are what the termites burrow through and leave behind them. Holes appear in exposed wood and make it look like swiss cheese.
Another sign of infestation to look for is a pile of shredded wings that have fallen off the termites located at an entry point of your home.
When the damage becomes more apparent, you will also see broken wood, sagging walls, bowing in ceilings and more. If any of these features appears and seems to pose a threat to structural integrity, people, pets and valuable objects should be kept away to prevent damage in a collapse.
Recognize Termites
There’s a lot of creepy crawlers with wings out there, but knowing how to spot dangerous ones like termites can help prevent serious damage from an infestation.
Termites look a lot like ants, which can cause some people to dismiss them if they only spot the soldier or worker termites. These are often light in color with a similar body shape to ants, six legs, and antennae.
The most easily spotted termites are the ones that fly. These are the termites that reproduce and they grow wings that are eventually 2-3 times the length of their body. These long, distinctive wings are a hallmark of termites, whether you see the insects themselves flying or the piles of shredded wings at entry points.
What Types of Termites Might Infiltrate My Maine Home?
The species that pose the greatest risk to Maine homes are the Eastern Subterranean Termites. They are known for going after home wooden structures.
In appearance, worker Eastern Subterranean Termites are about an eighth of an inch long and wingless. The soldiers in their colony have visible mandibles used to fight off invaders. You are most likely to spot soldiers as they will be at the openings to wherever the infestation is.
The winged reproductive termites are visible flying during the daytime and measure about three-eighths of an inch. They are darker in color than the workers. Swarms of these termites can be spotted in the spring, typically after rain. Thousands will appear from a big colony that has existed for several years.
Spotting a large swarm of termites in the spring is an indication that there is a serious infestation nearby. If you see a large swarm in conjunction with any other signs of termites in your home, it is essential to call an exterminator as soon as possible.
Southern Maine Termite Exterminator Defenders
Termite damage costs, on average, $5 billion a year and are a major threat to investments, including your home. Many insurance plans won’t cover the cost of treatment or repairs needed due to termites. No need to worry. An affordable termite extermination plan is within your grasp.
If you live in Southern Maine and see any signs of an infestation, Maine Bed Bugs and Pest Control is your termite exterminator! Termites can be difficult to free your house off, but it can be done. An inspection of your home will determine the severity of your infestation. From there, an extermination plan that keeps your family safe and healthy will be recommended.
Tackling infestations in their infancy is always the best course of action and will save you thousands in the long run. Call (207) 650-8654 today to free your home from the attacking pests
