Bugs in general are unwelcome in our homes. From ants to spiders to cockroaches, they can bring disease, bacteria, and are just plain gross. But some insects, like termites, can cause thousands of dollars of structural damage to your home. The average cost of repairs due to termite damage is $3,300 and it typically isn’t covered by your homeowners’ insurance policy.

If you suspect you have termites in your home, you will want to call a professional for termite removal as soon as possible. Make sure you know the signs of termites and what to do. Read on for our tips.

Signs of Termites

If you are purchasing a new home, your home inspector should examine your home for any termite damage. But what happens when you’ve been in the home for some time and you have a termite infestation? 

This is why you need to know the potential signs of a termite infestation so you can spot them and take action sooner rather than later. The longer you wait, the more damage the termites can do. Signs of termites include: 

  • Damage to wood
  • Mud tubes near your home’s foundation or in basements or crawl spaces 
  • Frass (this is the powdered wood shavings left behind by termites who are eating through the wood)
  • Swarmers (these are young female termites that are often mistaken for flying ants)

If you notice any of these signs, call a professional exterminator to come to your home or place of business to examine the area. 

Getting Rid of Termites

Termites aren’t the pests you want to try to get rid of on your own. It’s best to let a professional deal with termite removal. Exterminators who have experience with termite removal will be able to assess the damage in your home and the type of termite and recommend the best course of treatment. 

The exterminator could recommend a baiting system, liquid treatment, or fumigation. Repairing the damage and getting rid of termites is where the high cost comes in, so it’s wise to try to prevent termites. Some DIY prevention methods include: 

  • Sealing holes and cracks in your home’s exterior
  • Keeping any wood piles (such as lumber or firewood) off of the ground and away from your home
  • Keeping mulch away from your foundation
  • Watching for changes in any wooden exterior parts of your home, like your door frames, window or window frames, and decks
  • Ensuring proper drainage away from your home to cut off the water supply for termites
  • Keeping attics and crawl spaces dry and ventilated

If you can take steps to prevent termites, you’ll be better off, as most people don’t even notice a termite infestation until the damage has already been done. 

Call a Professional Exterminator for Termite Removal

While you can try DIY termite prevention, do not try your hand at DIY termite removal, especially if the damage and infestation is extensive. Exterminators are specially licensed for termite removal, particularly fumigation. Protect your home from termites and do your best to watch out for signs of termites, but leave the removal up to the experts. 

If you suspect termites in your home, contact us today for a termite inspection.