Most who own a home or commercial building know that it is a crucial goal to keep their building free of harmful pests, like termites. However, many of those same people don’t have much of an idea of what that process involves.
The first step towards keeping your home or business termite-free is to learn how to check for termites and how often to do so. In this article, we’ll explain the frequency with which you should check for termites, what should happen during the check, and what to do in the unfortunate case that you find termites as a result of your check.
How Often to Check for Termites
The presence of termites is something no one wants to find, but if this problem occurs, it’s best to know as soon as possible. As such, it is wisest to check for termites on a regular basis. In most cases, it is best to check for termites at least once per year.
With that said, checking more often than that certainly won’t hurt. Above all, it’s crucial to set a regular schedule for termite checks so that you can detect their presence well before they have the chance to cause irreparable damage.
Can You Do a Termite Check on Your Own?
Now that you understand the importance of checking for termites either on an annual basis or more often, it’s time to learn about what should happen during a comprehensive termite check. Generally, it is best to ensure that you hire an expert professional to complete your termite check rather than doing it yourself.
One of the major issues with termite infestations is that they often go undetected by property owners. The reality is most people don’t have the skills and experience necessary to notice the presence of termites before they become a significant issue.
By contrast, a professional expert in the field will have an eye for signs of termites that most others would miss. When it comes time for your annual termite check, be sure to enlist the help of a professional team you can trust to pick up on any subtle signs that you have a termite problem that must be resolved.
Signs that You Have Termites
Although a complete termite check requires a professional eye, there remain a few signs that the average person can notice that indicate termites might be present. In fact, knowing these signs will help you know whether you need to schedule an official termite check sooner than your annual frequency would normally call for:
- Damaged wood
- Bubbles in wall paint or wallpaper
- Dead termites or termite body parts
- Termite droppings
If you notice any of these termite signs, the next step to take is to call in a professional to confirm whether your concerns are well-founded. When in doubt, depending on an experienced termite solution team is the best way to confirm the presence of termites.
What Do Termites Look Like?
In your quest to prevent and eliminate termites, it is especially beneficial to have a clear idea of what termites look like. After all, if you are able to identify a termite itself, you’ll have no need to search for and evaluate other indirect signs.
There are a few main types of termites, each of which has different physical traits. For instance, worker termites are smaller and have a lighter color, while soldiers and winged termites are a bit larger with a more distinct brown color.
Most termites also have noticeable pinchers and antennae. It is also common for the thorax and abdomen of a termite to appear fused rather than having a clear separation. This trait is one of the best ways to differentiate a termite from other insects that look similar to it.
Dangers of Having Termites
You’ll only understand the true importance of regular termite checks once you have a better idea of the damage these insects can cause. Make no mistake, the presence of termites is a serious issue that can lead to costly damage and some health risks as well.
The most obvious problem with having termites is that they cause damage to wood and other building materials that can become widespread when left unchecked. By destroying wood, termites can compromise the structural integrity of your house or building, which will result in the need for expensive repairs.
Additionally, termites tend to encourage the growth of mold within your home. As mold accumulates, it compromises the quality of the air you breathe and can trigger symptoms of asthma.
What to Do After You Check for Termites
When performing an annual termite check, the result we all hope for is that no termites will be found. However, if you do discover termites in your home, you need to be prepared to deal with them as soon as possible.
The best course of action is to hire a professional termite solution team that can quickly learn more about the details of your termite problem while also developing and employing a solution that will resolve your termite problem.
After hiring a professional team to eradicate your termite issue, it is also important for you to educate yourself on the signs that termites may have returned, as well as the tactics you can take to make sure that termites are unlikely to make a home in your house.
Find the Best Termite Solution Team for the Job
Throughout this article, we have emphasized the need to rely on a termite solution team you can trust to not only perform a termite check but also to remove termites if they are present. Unfortunately, not all companies are equally successful in removing termites.
At Western Termite Solutions Inc., we have a knowledgeable and experienced staff that knows how to check for termites and is just as capable of removing them quickly as well. We serve both residential and commercial customers with termite solutions and more. If you need a termite inspection, contact us today.