Termites are small, hard-to-see creatures that can cause a lot of damage to your home if they are not exterminated. If you think you have termites, it is important to call a termite control company as soon as possible. Termites feed on wood, and they can quickly eat through the beams and support structures of your home. In addition, termites can also spread disease and contaminate food sources. As a result, termites can pose a serious threat to your health and safety.
A termite control company will be able to assess the extent of the problem and recommend the best course of action. In most cases, this will involve treating the affected area with chemicals that will kill the termites. This process can be time-consuming and expensive, but it is essential for protecting your home from further damage.
In this blog post, we will discuss the dangers of termites, how to identify a termite problem, and what you can do to prevent them from destroying your Charleston Lowcountry home.
What Are Termites and What Do They Do?
It's hard to believe that such small creatures could cause so much damage, but that's exactly what termites do. The history of termites goes back more than 120 million years to the time when dinosaurs roamed this planet. These wood-destroying pests are responsible for billions of dollars in damage each year, which is why it's so important to have a good termite control plan in place.
First, let's take a look at what termites are and how they operate.
The Truth About Termites
Termites are small, wood-destroying insects that live in colonies. These pests are known for their ability to eat through wood, which can cause structural damage to homes and other buildings. While termites are often found in the southern United States, especially the Lowcountry of Charleston, they can be a problem in any area of the country where there is wood.
The Different Types of Termites in Charleston, SC
There are three types of termites that are common in the Charleston, SC area: subterranean, drywood, and Formosan. Subterranean termites are the most common type of termite in the area and can cause the most damage to homes. These termites live in the soil and build mud tubes to access the wood in your home. Drywood termites are less common than subterranean termites, but they can still be found in Charleston. These termites live in dry wood and do not need contact with the soil to survive. Formosan termites are the most destructive type of termite and can cause extensive damage to homes. While Formosan termites do not occur everywhere across South Carolina, these termites have been found in Charleston.
What Do Termites Eat?
Termites are a type of insect that feast on wood. They can cause a lot of damage to a home or building if they are not controlled. Some people think that termites only eat wood, but they will also eat paper, insulation, and even swimming pool liners. If you have termites in your home, it is important to call a professional termite control company to get rid of them. Do not try to do it yourself, as you will most likely not be successful and could end up causing more damage to your home.
How To Identify A Termite Problem
What happens if you suspect termites have taken up residence in your home? How can you be sure? And what do you do about it if termites are found? They key is to remain calm and act fast to prevent further damage.
Signs Of A Termite Problem
There are a few key signs that you may have a termite problem. One of the most obvious is if you see termites or their wings around your home. You may also see damage to wood in your home or notice mud tubes, which are tunnels that termites build out of mud and use to travel. If you see any of these signs, it's important to contact a termite control company as soon as possible. Termites can cause a lot of damage to your home if they are left unchecked, so it's important to take action as soon as you suspect there may be a problem.
How To Inspect For Termites
Searching for termites can be a daunting task. Many people don't know where to start or what to look for. There are many different ways to inspect for termites. Some people use a flashlight, some use a mirror, and some use a special tool called a moisture meter.
One of the most important things to remember when inspecting for termites is to be thorough. Check all the cracks and crevices in your home, especially around doors and windows. Check the wood in your home for any signs of damage. Termites can cause a lot of damage to your home, so it's important to be as diligent as possible when inspecting for them.
What To Do If You Have A Termite Problem
Act Fast!!! Quick action is critical if you think you might have termites. If left unchecked, termites can cause extensive damage to your home or property – and the costs of repairs can be staggering. Getting rid of termites should be a top priority if you suspect an infestation. On anybody's list of 100 things that could go wrong in and around the home, termites would have to be near the top.
What You Can Do To Prevent Termites From Destroying Your Home
Each year, termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage! There are several things you can do to prevent termites from destroying your home. One is to make sure there is no wood-to-soil contact around your house. This means removing any stumps, logs, mulch, or firewood that is touching the ground near your house. You should also repair any cracks or gaps in your foundation or exterior walls.
Another way to prevent termites is to keep the moisture levels around your house low. Termites are attracted to moist environments, so by reducing the moisture around your property, you can deter them from coming near your home. You can do this by fixing any leaks in your plumbing, roof, or gutters and by ensuring that there is proper drainage around your foundation
Inspect Your Property Regularly For Termite Activity
It is important to inspect your property regularly for termite activity. If you think you might have termites, it is important to call a termite exterminator right away. There are many different methods of termite control, and the best method will vary depending on the severity of the infestation. When you conduct your inspection make sure to look for things like mud tubes on the outside of your property or wood that sounds hollow when tapped. By being diligent about inspections you can help to avoid a serious infestation.
Keep Gutters And Downspouts Clean And Clear Of Debris
One way to prevent termites is to keep gutters and downspouts clean and clear of debris. This will allow water to run freely away from your home instead of pooling near the foundation. You should also check for cracks or gaps along the foundation and repair them. Doing so will prevent termites from being able to enter your home.
Inspect any wood that is in contact with the soil, such as porches, decks, and steps. If you see signs of damage, such as tunnels or Exit holes, it's likely that termites are present. Be sure to keep firewood, lumber, and other cellulose materials away from the house. These can provide food and shelter for termites.
Finally, you should keep firewood, lumber, and other cellulose materials away from the house. These can provide food and shelter for termites. Store food in airtight containers and dispose of garbage regularly to prevent pests from being attracted to your home.
Repair Any Damage
Depending on the type of damage, you may be able to repair it yourself or you may need to hire a professional. If the damage is severe, you may need to replace the affected boards or other materials.
There are several types of damage that can be caused by termites:
-Holes in the wood
-Tunnels or galleries in the wood
-Decaying or crumbling wood
-Swollen or distorted wood
-Blisters in the paint or wallpaper
How To Repair Damage Caused By Termites
If you have found damage caused by termites, the first step is to determine whether it can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced. If the damage is minor, you may be able to repair it yourself with some wood filler and a little paint. If the damage is more severe, you will likely need to replace the affected boards or other materials. If you are unsure, it is always best to consult a professional.
The Dangers Of Not Exterminating Termites
Termites are dangerous because if they are not exterminated, they can cause a lot of damage to your home. Termites eat wood, so if there are a lot of them in your home, they can quickly eat through the beams and other parts of your house. This could lead to the house collapsing or becoming unsafe to live in. It is important to call an exterminator as soon as you notice any termites in your home, in order to avoid these dangers.
Another danger of not exterminating termites is that they can spread to other parts of your property. If you have a termite problem in your home, it is likely that they will also be in your yard or garden. This means that they can damage any wooden structures on your property, such as fences or sheds. In addition, if you have trees on your property, the termites can spread to them and kill them.
This could lead to a loss of property value, as well as the cost of having to remove the dead trees. Therefore, it is important to call a qualified termite exterminator as soon as you notice any termites on your property.
How Much It Costs To Get Rid Of Termites?
Getting rid of termites can be expensive. The cost of getting rid of them will depend on the severity of the infestation and the size of your home. If you have a small infestation, you may be able to get rid of them yourself with some over-the-counter products. However, if you have a severe infestation, you will need to hire a professional exterminator. The cost of hiring a professional can range from $500 to over $2000, depending on the severity of the infestation and the size of your home.
This is why it is important to have your home inspected regularly for termites. If you catch them early, you can save yourself a lot of money in the long run. If you wait until they have done significant damage to your home, it will be much more expensive to fix the damage and get rid of the termites.
So if you think you may have termites, don't wait to get them checked out. The sooner you do, the better off you'll be.
This is a common problem that many homeowners face at some point or another. But with some knowledge and prevention, you can keep your home termite-free.
If you think there's even a chance that you might have termites, call a professional exterminator immediately.
How To Choose A Termite Exterminator?
Choosing a Charleston termite control company may seem like a daunting task, but there are some simple steps you can take to make sure you're getting the best possible service. Here are a few things to look for when choosing a termite control company:
-A company that is licensed and insured: This is important because it protects you in case of any damage that may occur during the extermination process.
-A company that offers a warranty: This shows that the company stands behind its work and is confident in its ability to get rid of your termite problem.
-A company with experience: Experience is important when it comes to dealing with pests, as it means the company has likely seen everything before and will know how to effectively deal with your specific situation.
-A company that is willing to answer any questions you have: You should feel comfortable asking the company any questions you have about the process, as this will help put your mind at ease.
When it comes to choosing a termite control company, these are just a few of the things you should keep in mind. If you take your time and do your research, you'll be sure to find a company that can get the job done right.
Arrow Termite & Pest Control has been servicing homeowners and businesses in Summerville, SC and the entire Charleston Lowcountry for over 30 years and offers all of the above. Give us a call today for a free consultation! (843) 873-0800.