Termites - the very thought of them is enough to strike fear in the heart of a homeowner. Little bugs, eating away at what is quite often the largest investment one will make in their lifetime. Termites have the potential to cause severe damage to the structure of your property and should be treated as quickly as possible to eliminate the infestation completely. If you don’t have termites but prefer to be prepared for the future, it’s important to find the answer to this question – what should I do if I find out my home has termites?
Steps one, two, and three should all be to call a professional immediately! The moment you suspect a problem, the best thing you can do is set up a professional termite inspection. Other insects, like carpenter ants, can sometimes cause similar damage to that of termites. A trained professional will know exactly what to look for to determine if you’re actually dealing with a termite problem and how extensive the damage is.
It’s important to choose a pest control company that practices integrated pest management. They will analyze the situation to not only determine what the problem is but the best way to resolve it quickly and effectively. Termites are no different – it is of the utmost importance that an evaluation is done at the first sign of termite damage to avoid further damage to the structure of your home.
Your pest control professional will discuss a plan of action with you, including what they will do to eradicate the infestation as well as what you may need to do as far as home maintenance goes. You may need to eliminate wood that is in direct contact with the ground on the exterior of your home, seal cracks and holes that may allow termite access, or replace wood with other materials that aren’t quite so tasty for termites.
Once the pest control professional has done their part to treat the infestation and you have done yours to perform any home maintenance tasks necessary to prevent termite access, it’s time to think ahead for the future. Talk to your technician about the options for ongoing preventative treatments to ensure you don’t have recurrences. Termite infestations can cost you money due to structural damage in the short term, but can also be a cause for financial concern in the future if you decide to sell the property – it’s important that you are able to disclose that a termite problem was treated professionally and in an ongoing capacity to prevent further issues.
A quick internet search will come up with several DIY options for treatment if you find out your home has termites. The truth is that the best thing you can do is call a professional immediately. Addressing the problem quickly will prevent further damage and financial loss and will give you peace of mind knowing your greatest asset and home are protected. If you live in the San Joaquin Valley, give San Joaquin Pest Control a call today for a consultation with an expert in termite treatment and prevention.
