How to Get Rid of Termites From Your Tennessee Home
Tennessee is home to many types of wood-destroying insects, but none are as destructive or hard to get rid of as termites. Termites live almost anywhere in the US but when they get into our homes they can wreak havoc and wind up costing us lots of money in repairs. Being able to spot the signs of termites early can save your home from costly termite damage.
How do I know if I have termites?
It’s not easy to tell if you have termites since they dwell inside the wooden structures of your home. However, if they have been there long enough there are some tell-tale sign that you have a termite problem.
Termite damage
Every year, termites cost US residents around 5 billion dollars to control and repair the damage. These tiny pests have a ferocious appetite and can quickly consume large amounts of wood.
Ignoring a termite problem can have dire consequences for your home and can cost you tens of thousands of dollars in damage.
Types of termites in Tennessee
There are an estimated 2,000 species of termites in the world. Only 50 of them call the United States home. Termites fall into three main categories: damp wood, drywood, and subterranean. The most common type of termite in Tennessee is the subterranean termite.
Damp wood termites
Unlike their subterranean cousins, damp wood termites do not typically nest in the soil. Instead, they will make their nests in wood that is on the ground. Dampwood termites are also the largest species of termite, coming in at 20 to 25 millimeters in length. Common places for damp wood termites to live are rotting logs and woodpiles. Dampwood termites create large galleries inside the wood they live in. Their presence is usually an indicator of a leak or wood decay.
Drywood termites
Drywood termites are the most common type of termite in Tennessee. These termites love wood and can infest lumber, furniture, hardwoods, and softwoods. If there is wood available, drywood termites can live in it. It’s no wonder that these pests are known to cause a lot of damage to wooden structures and support beams. They may look small but left unchecked a termite colony can cause severe structural damage.
Subterranean termites
As their name suggests, subterranean termites build their colonies underground or inside dead trees. They prefer dark, damp areas because they rely on moisture to help keep them alive.
When they emerge from their nests in search of food they must build mud tunnels to retain moisture and also to hide from predatory birds. Subterranean termites can gain access to your home if their nest is nearby. An easy way to check if subterranean termites are in your home is to look for the mud tunnels going up your foundation or side of the house.
To make your home inhospitable to termites you must make sure you have absolutely no leaks in your bathrooms or basement, keep firewood at least twenty feet away from your home, and maintain low humidity levels in your attics and crawl spaces.
Pest control in Tennessee
A termite infestation can quickly get out of hand. The best thing you can do is act quickly before too much damage is done to your home. To be absolutely sure that all the termites are eliminated properly, it’s important that the task be left to a professional.
Contact Okeena for Pest Control
If you are having problems with termites in your home or yard, then call the pest control experts at Okeena Pest Control. Our trained technicians can assess your situation and come up with a customized termite control plan for your home. Contact us today and we will send out one of our trained teams to inspect your home.