Termite Warning!
Tornadoes, earthquakes, fires…these disasters typically have warning signs that allow just enough time to save yourself. Termites cause more damage each year to homes than ALL of those natural disasters COMBINED. Did you know that?
Franklin Pest Solutions would like to give you this official termite warning this year. As it gets warmer outside, spring cleaning, landscaping, and house repairs will begin. While you’re digging around in your yard, there are some things you should be aware of. Termites are known as “silent destroyers” because they will feed on the structure of your house for quite a while before you even realize they’re there. Termites are smart. But YOU are smarter. Well, you will be once you read the 6 signs of termite infestation.
They’ll eat your house!
Termites can also quite literally eat homeowners out of house and home without them even knowing it until it’s too late. They have the ability to chew through wood, flooring and even wallpaper undetected, 24/7, and can compromise the structural stability of a home within several years depending on the species. And the kicker…your homeowner’s insurance policy most likely doesn’t cover pest infestations.
6 Signs of Termite Infestation:
- Mud tubes (used by termites to reach a food source) on the exterior of the home. Sometimes these will be present in basements as well.
- Soft wood in the home that sounds hollow when tapped
- Darkening or blistering of wood structures
- Cracked or bubbling paint
- Small piles of feces that resembles sawdust near a termite nest
- Discarded wings near doors or on windowsills, indicating swarmers have entered the home
The Threat
If any of these signs are present, experts recommend you contact a pest professional to properly identify the problem and termite species, and effectively remove the colony. You wouldn’t ignore a tornado siren, would you? Well, we’ve gotten word from several sources, including the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) that termites are supposed to be particularly bad this year compared to last year.
Why? There are several theories as to why in particular the Midwest will feel the impact, but they’re all Mother Nature related, of course. Last year we went through a bit of a dry spell. The lack of moisture for several consecutive months in a row took away ideal conditions for termites. This year, moisture is up. Termites need moisture to thrive. We’re in for it, folks. How will you safeguard your home?
The Solution
Which one of the following statements fits your situation?
- I have termites.
- I am currently termite-free but interested in NOT GETTING termites EVER.
- I have no idea if I have termites right now or not.
You can realistically only claim that you’re termite-free if you’ve had an inspection by a legit professional within the last 90 days or if you currently have a treatment in place. If #3 sounds like it’s closest to your situation, there’s good news.
Inspect
Not sure if you have termites or other harmful pests in or around your house? We’ll tell you! Trust me, you’ll sleep better knowing that your biggest investment isn’t getting eaten alive behind your pretty wallpaper. When you call to schedule your inspection, we’ll discuss what we’ve found, what you can do to prevent infestations of many varieties, and give you a written report with recommendations to resolve any pest problems.
Protect
If you identified with #1 above and know that you do in fact have termites, there’s hope. Franklin Pest Solutions offers two curative treatment options to control and eliminate termites before it’s too late.
Sentricon
This option is a completely green termite treatment option. Learn about it in the video below!
Prevent
Don’t currently have termites, but you’ve decided you never want to have to deal with the potential risk for their damage? Sentricon is also used as a prevention system. The old saying that “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure” is especially true for termites. Flying termites known as swarmers in a home are a sign of a mature colony, and that usually means damage already has occurred. But the lack of swarming termites in your home does not mean your home is not being attacked.
Don’t risk it!
