As a homeowner in Manchester, there are some things you do not want to have in your home. Pests can come in different shapes and sizes. They can be rodents and bugs. But nothing so small can create serious damage as termites. Such wood-loving pests can damage the wooden structures of your home and make it inhabitable. That is why you should understand what these pests do, where they thrive, and the steps you can take to prevent them from infiltrating your home. You must not ignore the presence of termites and know when it is time to contact an exterminator in Manchester. Keep reading to learn about how problematic it can be to have termites in your home:
Termites are Tiny and Can Enter Through Small Openings
Termites live in colonies and feed on wood. They work quietly and often stay hidden, which makes them harder to deal with. Most people do not realize they have termites until the damage is already serious.
Manchester homeowners usually deal with subterranean termites. These pests live underground and enter homes from below. They are skilled at finding even the smallest cracks in foundations or gaps in wood. Then, they do not stop eating on wood once they are inside.
Why Manchester Homes Are at Risk
Southern climates see more year-round activity, but termites are also a problem in New England. The type we have here can survive the cold winters by digging deep into the soil and moving into the warmth of your home when spring comes.
Manchester’s older homes are especially attractive to termites. Aging, damp, or damaged wood is a buffet for these bugs. Moisture problems such as leaks, poor drainage, or high humidity can also draw termites to your home.
How Termites Damage Your Home
Termites can do serious structural damage when they eat through the wooden parts of your home. They can compromise the integrity of your home’s support beams, floor joists, walls, and ceilings. Over time, this can lead to sagging floors, stuck windows and doors, or dangerous structural instability. Sadly, the damage often goes unnoticed for months or even years as they are hidden behind walls or under floors.
Signs You Might Have Termites
You might not see termites crawling around in the open, but there are signs to identify their presence. You should watch out for mud tubes along your foundation or basement walls, piles of wings near windowsills or doors, and hollow-sounding wood when you tap it. Also, the presence of small holes in drywall or bubbling paint and droppings that look like tiny wood-colored pellets indicate termite activity. You should call an exterminator once you notice these signs to prevent the issue from escalating.
How Fast Can Termites Do Damage?
A large colony of termites can eat through a lot of wood in just a few months. repairs can cost thousands of dollars if they go undetected for a year or more. Getting rid of the termites and preventing them from coming back is another cost to consider.
It is important to remember that termites never sleep. They chew away around the clock. So, they can cause property damage even if they are slow.
Why DIY Is Not Always Enough
Termites are tough to eliminate without professional help. They hide in hard-to-reach places, and they will keep coming back if you miss a part of the colony.
Professional pest control companies have the tools and experience to find the source of the problem and treat it properly. They also know how to prevent termites from returning, which is just as important as getting rid of them.
