If you are a fan of horror or true crime films, you may want to look no further than the living nightmare every homeowner wants to avoid: termites. Termites are an absolute terror for homeowners across the nation. A termite infestation is very destructive, gruesome, and creepy, but without all of the cinematic gore that we love to see in scary movies.

It is worthwhile for every homeowner to educate oneself on what termites actually are. Termites are pests. Termites are insects, identified by their straight, beaded antennae, uniform waists, and wings of equal size.

Termites thrive on the cellulose-based substances, which they can acquire from our houses, regardless of the construction. Since they are often undetected or dismissed as ants, they are usually ignored until it is too late. Termites mostly feed on dead plant matter such as woodchip, decayed wood, leaf litter, and soil. Termites aggregate with one another and live in colonies. There are several dozens of species of termites in SoCal and all across the United States. The most common types amongst these are the subterranean termite, the damp-wood termite, and the dry-wood termite.

The horrifying truth about termites is that no house is entirely safe from the dangers of a termite infestation. Termites are ‘silent destroyers’ and very often, they are found to be secretly hiding and thriving, without any signs of physical damage. If no action is taken at this stage, they will reproduce exponentially. Furthermore, termites expel moisture as they consume wood, creating further deterioration to the integrity of the structures of the home. According to experts, termites cause damages worth $5 billion to property in the United States. Termite damages are not usually covered by any insurance policies; homeowners dread what infestations do to their properties and wallets.

It is possible to exterminate termites. However, the substances and tools involved are intense, thus requiring expert handling and care. The most commonly used processes include fumigation, termite baiting, and liquid pesticides. The best exterminator will inspect the situation carefully, localize the treatment if possible, and fumigate as the last resort.

Fumigation involves covering the property with a tent, within which chemicals are released to kill the termites. Due to the intensity of the process, it is unsafe for residents to be inside of the property as fumigation takes place.

If reading this article horrifies you given the possibilities of financial and physical damage caused by termites, consider avoiding the terror altogether and book a qualified termite inspector. They can save you thousands of dollars in extermination costs and damage repair in the future. Proactivity today may save you from the dread of tomorrow. As the old adage says, “do something today that your future self with thank you for.”

You can take further preventative measures by protecting your house from the possibility of infestation. Keep wood such as firewood or carpentry wood outside, far from the house. Install a storm entrance so as to leave wet or muddy shoes outside of the house. Inspect and maintain your home on a regular basis, especially for seasonal changes; ensure that the foundations and barriers of your home are strong and intact.

If you are looking for a termite inspector or exterminator, give Grand Oaks Termite Control a call today.

Grand Oaks Termite Control
110 S Worthy Dr, Glendora, CA 91741, United States