Termites are dangerous pests for Ventura County homes. They invade silently and eat our homes from the inside out. Often property owners aren't aware of their presence until substantial damage has been done. It's important to be able to identify signs of termites and the damage they cause, as well as remove factors that are attracting termites to your home. In order to do this well, it can be helpful to seek the assistance of a Ventura County pest control professional. In the meantime, here are the basics.
You're Likely Never To See A Termite
Most termites live their entire lives underground or within the wooden structures they eat. Aside from reproductive termites emerging to mate, you are unlikely to ever see these pests unless you start digging into infested wood. Fighting an invisible pest can make avoiding termite damage an impossible task, and it can be helpful to seek out annual termite inspections from the termite experts at Ventura Pest Control.
Signs Of Termite Damage To Look For Around The House
While you won't see termites or even very many early warning signs of termite damage, it's still essential to keep an eye out for termite damage. Often, this damage is a homeowner's first clue that there are termites in the Ventura County home. Some of the signs of termite damage include:
- Windows and doors that become hard to open or close
- Loose tiles or squeaky floorboards
- Mud tubes along foundation walls
- Drooping or discolored drywall
- Peeling or bubbling paint
- Wood that sounds hollow when tapped
While these signs signify that termite damage has already occurred, it is still essential to take action as soon as you are aware of termites in your home. The sooner you address the issue, the less damage they will do and the less expensive it will be to repair.
How To Identify And Remove Factors That Attract Termites
Given the risks of termites in your home, it's worth taking the time to remove the factors that attract them. While they are sneaky, termites are also predictable pests with specific requirements when entering homes. You are more likely to invite a termite problem if you have excess moisture, water-damaged wood, excess wood around your property, wood that comes into contact with the soil around your home, or cracks in your foundation that allow termites access inside.
To avoid termites and the damage they cause, some steps you can take include:
- Maintain drainage systems and use downspouts to direct water away from your foundation.
- Fix leaky plumbing and address condensation issues.
- Use dehumidifiers in poorly ventilated areas of your home.
- Repair or replace any water-damaged wood in your home.
- Remove tree stumps, brush piles, old lumber, and fallen trees from your property.
- Maintain a barrier between the soil and wooden portions of your home, including siding, porches, railings, etc.
- Seal cracks and crevices in your exterior walls and foundation.
If you can eliminate factors that attract termites, you can minimize the chances they will infest your home. However, annual inspections by a professional are still a recommended step in termite control and prevention.
The Best Form Of Termite Protection For Ventura County Homes
The best way to get rid of termites in Ventura County and make sure they stay away is with help from the professionals at Ventura Pest Control. We have over 63 years of experience keeping pests like termites away from area homes. Our pest control professionals will complete a thorough inspection of your home to determine the type of termite and any unique issues your property faces before developing a plan for the appropriate treatments. Call us today to find out more about our warrantied termite control solutions.
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