A Homeowner’s Guide To Evaluating And Understanding The Signs Of Termites
Termite Exterminator
If you live in Brookline, Massachusetts, the likelihood that you’ve experienced a termite infestation is all too real. To keep your home safe and ensure the protection of your family, you need to be able to identify the signs of a termite infestation and evaluate its severity. Here is a comprehensive guide provided by F&W Pest Control so you can understand and detect the signs of termites in and around your Brookline home.
What are Termites?
Termites are small, wingless, soft-bodied insects that live in colonies and feed on the cellulose found in wood and plant material. In the United States, there are over 1,700 different types of termites; the most common types in Brookline are subterranean termites and drywood termites. Subterranean termites live and feed in the soil while Drywood termites remain in the wood of the structures they’re infesting. Termites can cause a significant amount of damage within only a few months and homeowners need to be aware of the signs.
Signs of a Termite Infestation
Identifying a termite problem early can save your home from expensive structural damage. Here are some warning signs of termite infestation that you should be aware of when inspecting your Brookline home:
Wood Damage ? Termite feeding on wood is often visible if you look closely. The wood will have thin cracks, bubbles, or troughs; the wood will also sound hollow if you tap it. Termite damage can sometimes be confused with wood-boring beetle damage. Termite damage has a distinct pattern which transitions from smooth to more irregular whereas beetle damage will have gouges and tracks throughout the wood.
Mud Tubes ? Subterranean termites travel through the ground and build mud tubes to maintain a damp and humid environment as they move around. Though these tubes can be seen coming into your property, they are most visible along the foundation and walls; the tubes are approximately the size of a pencil.
Frass ? Frass is otherwise known as termite droppings or pellets. They are generally hard pellets that are made of soil and wood. Drywood termites leave small piles of frass near the area of infestation.
Swarmers ? Termites reproduce through the production of swarmers. Swarmers typically appear in the springtime and are brown to tan in coloration. Seeing swarming termites most likely means that the colony is mature and is currently reproducing.
Interior Damage ? If there is an interior termite infestation, it is possible that the walls may have a foam or bubble-like texture, as well as darkened wood. It is not recommended that you investigate interior termite damage yourself, as this could cause further damage to your property and void any warranties you may have.
Assessing the Severity of the Infestation
Once homeowners have identified the signs of termites, they need to assess the severity of the infestation. This will require an inspection and assessment from a professional and experienced extermination company such as F&W Pest Control. Depending on the severity of the infestation, residents may encounter serious structural damage such as the weakening of wooden beams and pillars or the crumbling of drywall. In some cases, termite damage may even be mistaken for water damage.
It is essential that the termite problem is treated quickly. The longer that homeowners leave a termite infestation untreated, the more damage it will cause; it is estimated that a family of termites can eat an entire piece of wood in only three months. To make sure that your Brookline home is safe, it is recommended that you contact your local exterminator to assess the severity of the infestation and provide a treatment plan.
F&W Pest Control: Integrated Pest Management
F&W Pest Control offers an integrated approach to pest control. This method uses environmental, structural, and chemical management tools that minimize pest populations without exposing people to unnecessary pesticides.
When professional extermination companies such as F&W treat for termites, they utilize a variety of fumigation, baiting, and spot treatment methods. Fumigation is a method which involves creating a gas-tight seal around the structure and introducing a toxic gas. Baiting is a popular method that involves setting up special traps around the perimeter of the property to identify and reduce infestations. Spot treating involved applying specific products to areas where termites are suspected to be.
F&W’s integrated pest management approach (IPM) provides the professional quality you need with the environmentally responsible quality of a DIY approach. Trust the expert exterminators at F&W to get rid of your termites this season. Get a free quote to start debugging your space today.
In conclusion, if you’re a home owner living in Brookline, Massachusetts, you’re well aware of the risks a termite infestation can bring to your home and family. Detecting and evaluating a termite infestation requires vigilance and expertise. If you find signs of infestation, your best option is to reach out to a certified exterminator such as F&W Pest Control. F&W’s integrated pest management approach ensures that your home is free of these wood-destroying pests ? giving you back the peace of mind and home you deserve.
Pest Control Near Me
Searching for an easy fix to your pest problems? Here at F&W Pest Control, our exterminators will treat an array of different pest issues including termites, bed bugs, mosquitoes, and more! Long-term protection is right at your reach with the help of our highly trained team of exterminators in the Greater Boston area. Don’t allow pests to take over your home, put your trust in our pest control services to ensure a pest-free home. With our help, you won’t have to spend any more free time implementing DIY extermination methods!
