“Termite” is a word that no homeowner ever wants to hear. These teeny, tiny insects cause large amounts of expensive damage to homes. In fact, it’s estimated that termites cause about $5 billion in property damage every year. That is no small matter.
Termites are a subject worth some conversation. How do you tell if you have a termite infestation? Can you treat termites yourself? In this blog post, we are going to answer these questions and more.
If you want to take proactive measures against termites in your Sacramento home or believe you may already have a termite infestation, contact Earthwise Pest Management today.
What Are Termites?
Termites are small insects that destroy wood. They live in colonies that can grow to include a million termites including a queen, king, soldiers, and workers. As insects, they physically have body segments and six legs. Termites measure between 4-15 millimeters in length depending upon the species and the role it plays in it’s colony. The queen termite is usually exponentially larger than the rest of the termites in each colony.
Termites are best known for destroying wooden structures and homes. They do actually eat the wood, typically from the inside out, so infestations can be difficult to identify without a professional inspection.
What Are Some of the Common Signs of a Termite Infestation?
While a termite infestation can go for years, or even decades without being identified, there are common signs that can help you decide whether you or not you have a termite infestation.
Mud Tubes
Mud tubes are how termites get around. They offer the termites shelter as they move around your house. Mud tubes are typically the width of a straw and appear most commonly around cracks, baseboards, pipes, chimneys, behind siding, and beneath flooring.
Hollow Wood
Subterranean termites are the most common type found in Sacramento and they eat wood from the inside, meaning that you won’t be able to notice that the wood is affected from the outside. One way to check for a termite infestation is to tap the wood and listen for a hollow sound.
Swarming Termites
Swarming season for termites occurs during the spring, summer, and a bit into the fall. If you see a group of small swarming termites during this time, there is a good chance that you have an infestation.
How Do I Tell if My Home Has Termites?
To tell if you have a termite infestation, you can check for the signs listed above, however, many times there are no outward signs of termites. The most effective way to know whether you or not your home has termites is to have a professional Sacramento pest control company perform an inspection. It is the only way to know for sure.
How Much Damage Can Termites Do?
Although small, termites cause an insurmountable amount of damage. Queen termites lay about 2,000 eggs per year, so a termite infestation grows from just a few insects to a large amount in no time. There can be over a million termites in each colony. It is estimated that termites cause $5 billion in property damage every year.
Can I Treat a Termite Infestation on My Own?
While DIY termite treatments are sold at hardware stores, they are not recommended or incredibly effective. If you have a small, localized infestation, you may be able to handle it on your own, however, hiring a professional Sacramento pest control company is the best way to go. Professional termite pest control is the only way to fully eradicate the entire colony, or colonies, of termites invading your home. If you suspect that you have a termite infestation, don’t hesitate, contact Earthwise Pest Management in Sacramento today.
What Is Swarming?
Swarming is when the younger termites all congregate in the same spot to mate and locate a new nest and a source of food. Swarming typically takes place during the spring, summer, or fall depending upon the species. Each swarm lasts approximately 30 minutes. Swarming in your home is a tell-tale sign that you have a termite infestation.
When Is Termite Swarming Season in Sacramento?
Sacramento is home to two major types of termites: subterranean and drywood. Subterranean termites swarm mostly in the spring and early summer, while drywood termites can be found swarming in the summer and early fall.
Is Termite Damage Covered Under Homeowners Insurance?
Most homeowners insurances do not cover termite damage, which is why it is so important to take preventative measures and treat termite infestations as soon as they are identified.
Let the Experts Handle the Termites
If you live in Sacramento and are interested in preventative or reactive termite treatments, Earthwise Pest Management can help. We are an experienced, professional Sacramento pest control company that specializes in termites, ants, spiders, rodents, and more. Contact us today to protect your home from termites or to take care of an already existing infestation.