How Often Should You Inspect for Termites?

There is nothing quite so frightening as discovering that your house is being eaten by termites. Despite their tiny size, they can cause thousands of dollars of damage. Learn how to tell if you have termite damage, and what to do once you’ve found them.

How Do You Know You Have Termites?

Termintes are easily confused with other pests- most commonly, the carpenter ant. These four characteristics make it easy to tell the difference between the two:

  • A carpenter ant has a tapered middle and segmented antennae with clear blends.
  • A termite has a box-like shaped middle and straight antennae.
  • The termite has four wings that are all the same size, while the carpenter ant’s wings are larger in front and smaller behind.
  • Termites also tend to hide from view, while carpenter ants are more likely to be seen. Before moving ahead with contacting a professional exterminator, it is important to try to decipher what kind of pest problem that you have. Each pest requires a different solution.

Do You Detect A Termite Problem?

The most common sign of a termite problem is when you notice small, clear insect wings scattered outside of your home. Termites travel in swarms, and they shed their wings once they find a new site to begin tunneling. Be sure to look out for these tunnels, which are found in wood, in your foundation or in the ground. Other signs that termites are tunneling underground are buckled or cracked paint, mud tubes or holes in wooden floors or walls. Wood damage can also include wood that is soft or is darkened or splintered. Termites also often leave behind droppings and tracings of mud and soil.

How Often Should You Inspect for Termites?

It is wise to self-inspect your home once every six months. If you notice any signs of termite damage, you should immediately contact a pest control company. However, these pests are usually invisiable as long as they work from underground- as a result, it can take years for them to be found. Termites can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your home, and it is not usually covered by insurance. We recommend having homes built before 1980 inspected by a professional exterminator once a year. Homes built after 1980 should be inspected once every two years.

Advantage Termite and Pest Control is a family-owned and operated company that offers the latest technology to ensure quality termite control. Protect your home or commercial property from extensive termite damage. Contact Advantage TPC today for an appointment.

Serving Kansas City Metro and Lawrence

Call 913.768.8989 to Get Your Free Estimate Today
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