Termites have earned the nickname “silent destroyers” due to their ability to quietly consume wood, flooring, and even wallpaper, without even being noticed. With the state’s humid climate, it is the perfect breeding ground for termites. The downside of living in Florida is the risk of termite infestations. Here, both newly built homes and older properties are at risk from these pests.
Moving into a new home is supposed to be a time of excitement and fresh starts. But for many homeowners, the joy is soon killed by termites that have already started doing their damage. Even if you have had a home inspection before buying, termites can still catch you off guard. It affects the home’s structure and causes significant stress.
It is important to recognize the signs of termite damage early on. However, they are not always obvious. There are subtle clues, like small holes in walls or a faint sound of termites munching wood, etc. It is highly recommended to reach out to a pest control service at avatapest.com with experience dealing with local termites.
Signs of termite damage in new homes
When you move into a new house, it is important to understand what to look for. Here are some signs of termite damage in a new house:
1. Hollow-sounding wood.
Termites feed on wood. If you tap on your wooden furniture or any other wooden item and hear a hollow sound, it probably means that it is being eaten by termites. Be sure to thoroughly check the furniture afterward.
2. Mud tubes.
Subterranean termites are known for building mud tubes which they use to travel from their underground colonies to the above-ground food sources. You can often find these mud tubes along foundation walls or wooden structures.
3. Discarded wings.
Termite swarmers shed their wings after they mate. Therefore, during the swarming season, you may find them in piles near windowsills or doors. Seeing these is a major red flag that you have termites in the house.
4. Bubbling or peeling paint.
When you see bubbling or peeling paint, you often think that there might be water damage. However, the truth is that a termite infestation can do the same thing. Termites bring moisture into wood, which can bring the same effect.
5. Visible damage.
Finally, the most obvious sign that something is wrong in the wooden furniture and structures of your house is when you notice small holes. These mean termites. Damaged drywall and swollen floors are also significant signs of termite activity.
What to do when you suspect termite damage?
If you have suspected termite activity in your new home, it is important to act fast. Here are some steps to take to handle termite damage effectively:
1. Conduct a thorough inspection.
The first and foremost thing to do is to inspect your house. While you can do it yourself, it is recommended to call experts. They know where termites are more likely to hide. These include hidden areas such as crawl spaces, attics, and behind walls. Also, do not forget to pay attention to windows, doors and wood around your home.
2. Document the damage.
If you do find evidence of termite activity, make sure to document the damage. These records will be helpful when you actually call the professional services.
3. Isolate the affected area.
If you have found termites in an area of your house, if possible, isolate that area. This will help prevent the infestation from spreading to the other rooms and parts of your house.
4. Contact professional pest control.
While some homeowners may want to tackle the problem alone, nothing matches the work of a professional team. Professionals have the training, tools, and experience necessary to do the work effectively.
Don’t let termites turn your dream home into a nightmare!
Call professional pest control services today to protect your investment!
