A Concise Outline of What You Should Know About Termite Infestations
Once you purchased a home, your main priority is ensuring that no harm comes to it and jeopardises your investment. And while you may engage in multiple household maintenance measures to keep the structure intact, some issues could still creep up on you. One such danger is a termite infestation. Since termite infestations do not occur overnight, it is critical for homeowners to know how best to protect their house as well as spot the signs of a potential infestation.
The best way to do this is by being perceptive about these critters and aware of how to handle them. The following article is a concise outline of what you should know about termite infestations.
Are termites all the same?
No, termites are not all identical. In fact, a colony is made up of different types of insects, and you may not even get to see all of them when faced with an infestation. The four categories of termites that are found in a colony are the soldiers, workers, drones and the queens. The soldiers and the workers typically found in the tunnels of the colony, so they spend their entire lives underground. Drones and queens, on the other hand, will venture out of the colony to mate and have the ability n do this because they possess wings. Hence, if you spot winged insects swarming around your home or evidence of their wings, chances are you are at risk of a termite infestation.
Can a termite infestation be prevented?
Unfortunately, termite prevention can be quite tricky if you do not take stringent measures to ensure that they do not get a foothold on your property. One of the first things you have to do is eliminate all timber items that can provide them with the nutrition they need. However, if your structure is already constructed of timber, then you will still be at risk of an infestation. Secondly, have all crevices and cracks sealed periodically so that the insects cannot have easy access to your home. Lastly, be wary of leaking water sources around your premises, as these provide the termites with sufficient hydration.
Is a termite inspection mandatory?
Rather than have to deal with a full-blown infestation, it is always advisable to have your property routinely inspected by pest management professionals. A termite inspection is advantageous in two main ways. First, the inspectors will spot any potential issues that could lead to an infestation and guide you on how to remedy the problem. Second, regular inspections can stop an outbreak in its tracks when caught early, which gives you a better shot at avoiding property loss.
