Safeguard Your Roanoke Home From Termite Damage

What is the worst thing that could happen to your home? You can probably think of a few answers, but did you think of termites? These unseen pests can be a huge problem for Roanoke homeowners, and too often they go unnoticed. Don’t ignore these awful pests. Learn how to watch for them and what to do if you think they’re eating away at your home. Termites could cause hundreds or thousands of dollars in damage - don’t let them!

Termite Behavior

Termites operate in a caste system. There are worker termites, soldier termites, and swarmers. The workers are very small and usually white or light tan. They spend all day in their underground nest or crawling through the wood which they feed on. They can’t come into the open without dying.

Soldier termites are a little bigger but also remain hidden. They can’t reproduce and they help the worker termites by guarding the nest while workers gather food.

Swarmer termites are the only ones that can reproduce. During the spring, they come out in search of a mate and a place to set up a new colony. Swarmers look like large flying ants. If you see them, or evidence of their presence (shed wings), call pest control professionals immediately before the termites set up shop near (or inside) your home.

Termite Dangers

Why are termites dangerous? Termites eat wood. Your home is a feast for them. If they get inside, they can cause immense damage before you even realize they’re around. Because they don’t come out into the open, you won’t see them. You might not have any idea they’re feeding on the wooden structures of your home until the damage begins to become visible.

You might notice termite damage when doors and windows begin to stick. You may notice hollow-sounding wood around your home. You may begin to see that your ceiling is sinking, your floor is bulging, or your walls are sagging. These signs point to a serious termite infestation, and you should reach out for help as soon as possible.

Preventing Termites

How can you prevent this from happening to you? There are some ways to make your home less attractive to termites. One trick is to minimize the moisture in your home. Termites are attracted to wood, especially damp or water-damaged wood. To prevent this, use a dehumidifier in damp areas of your home and promptly fix leaks and water damage.

You can also prevent termites by making it harder for them to get in. Subterranean termites, common in the Roanoke area, live in underground nests. They need to find their way from the nest to the inside of your walls without needing to come into the open. This means that you can make it more difficult for them by making sure the exterior wood of your home doesn’t touch soil, especially wet soil.

If termites get inside anyway, let Star City Pest Control & Wildlife Services help. Trying to deal with termites on your own can take time, resulting in even costlier repairs. Instead, let us begin a quick solution. We can identify termites and create a termite treatment plan that gets your home protected in no time. Reach out to us today to get started!