Home Maintenance Tip: How to Check for Termites

Do you gasp when you hear the word “termites?” There’s good reason to be concerned. Termites cause billions of dollars of damage to homes and other structures each year and are found in all the states except Alaska. Because termites eat wood from the inside, homeowners are often unaware of the damage until it is extensive. But, knowing a little information about termites can help.

Termites are insects that are part of the cockroach family. There are several types of termites but the focus here will be on subterranean termites that live in colonies underground. Termites eat wood and need moisture to survive. In order to keep their environment moist, they create pencil or straw-sized mud tunnels as a connector between the colony in the ground and the wood that they eat.

New houses are treated for termites. However, this treatment doesn’t mean that you won’t ever get termites. In fact, the chemical treatments used for houses in the last 15 years aren’t keeping termites away as well as chemicals used decades ago. Everyone must be vigilant.

Look for the following:

• Mud tubes on the interior or exterior of foundation walls.
• Wood boards that seem very thin or have layers rather than being solid.
• Wood that sounds hollow if you tap on it.

The best strategy is to have a contract with a pest company to maintain termite treatment of your home and inspect your house at least once a year.

Of course, preventing termite is the goal. Here are some steps to take:

• Store firewood up off the ground and as far away from your house and other structures as possible.
• Remove fallen tree limbs even from natural areas in your yard.
• Pull wood mulch at least 6 inches away from foundation walls.
• Repair any water leaks inside your crawl space.
• Make sure that your downspouts are draining away from the foundation.
• Always use termite-resistant products when building any structures on your property such as sheds, play sets, arbors.

If you find mud tunnels on your house, contact your pest company. A trained technician will do a thorough inspection. If you catch termite early, you may simply need a partial re-treatment.

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If you have questions about your home’s foundation or foundation repairs, contact Atlantic Foundation and Repair at 919-855-0855.