Are you certain that your Jersey City home doesn’t have termites? How can you be certain? That is the important question. Due to their small size and the fact that their activity primarily takes place underground, within wooden structures, or otherwise out of sight, termites are unique in the pest world in that they are primarily a problem that doesn’t actively interfere with your comfort or lifestyle. Most homeowners don’t realize they have a termite problem until it’s too late.
Termites might be one of a homeowner’s worst fears. Few pests can cause more problems around a home. The good news is that Bayonne Exterminating is here to help. Our Jersey City pest control works to keep your home safe from termite damage for good. Read on for more information about how you can identify an active termite infestation and what you can do to stop a termite problem before it manifests.
How Can I Tell If I Have A Termite Problem?
The most common termites in Jersey City are subterranean termites. They are typically only an eighth of an inch long and vary in color from creamy white to dark brown or black. Subterranean termites have a caste system that includes reproductive termites, soldiers, and workers. Only reproductive termites have wings.
Every spring, reproductive termites, called “swarmers,” leave their colonies to start new ones. This is when you’re most likely to actually see termites; the rest of the year, they stay in their nests or inside the wood they eat. You might also see the wings shed by swarmers as they settle into their new colony.
Besides seeing a termite, other signs of termites typically center around the damage they cause. Wood might suddenly sound hollow when it’s tapped. It might also have softened. Sometimes, you can see that wood has blistered or darkened, or the paint might start to bubble. With subterranean termites, you might see mud tubes on the side of your house. They use these to travel between their underground nest and the wooden structures of your home.
How Much Damage Can Termites Cause?
Termites can cause a lot of damage, but it takes time. It can be years before a termite colony causes severe, structural damage. However, termites continuously chew through wood, which means that they are constantly doing harm to your house. That damage will compound over time, so it’s important that you catch an infestation as early as possible so you can limit the damage done.
Why Does My House Have Termites?
There isn’t necessarily one thing that attracts pests to homes. Some are attracted by food that’s left out or the shelter provided by a house. Termites eat wood, which means just about any home could be a target. Termite prevention in Jersey City focuses on making your home less accessible to subterranean termites, so they’re less likely to use your house as a food source. Some of the ways you can do this include the following:
Divert water away from the foundation.
Repair anything that’s creating extra moisture around your home.
Eliminate contact between wood and soil.
Seal any cracks or holes in the exterior walls or foundation.
Subterranean termites prefer humid environments. They require a lot of moisture to move around. Plus, excess humidity or water pooling can damage wood, making it an easier target for termites. Making any necessary repairs – fixing leaky pipes, ventilating areas of your home, and redirecting water – is a key step in termite prevention.
Because subterranean termites need that moisture to move, they typically stay connected to the soil as they travel to their chosen food source. This is why they build mud tubes to travel through. If you can keep wood as far away from soil as possible, it’s much more difficult for termites to get to it. This includes storing firewood several feet from your home and off the ground.
When swarming termites come looking for a place to nest, any opening in the walls of your home can invite them inside. It’s important to cover up any hole or gap, so termites stay outside and, hopefully, far away from your house.
The absolute best way to prevent termite damage is to have your home inspected regularly. A professional pest control company can search your home for any signs of termite damage and catch infestations before they begin causing serious problems for your home.
Contact The Professionals At The First Sign Of Termites
Bayonne Exterminating is the best option for termite control in Jersey City. We offer regular inspections, searching your entire property for signs of termites. Then, based on what we find, we create a treatment plan designed to effectively remove the termites and protect your home from damage. We exclusively use EPA-approved products that are safe to use around children and pets. This allows us to protect your home from termites and your family from unnecessary, harmful products. Call Bayonne Exterminating today to schedule your termite inspection and treatment.
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