Homeowners have to worry about various types of insects which go about harming wood and timber. However, the most common complaint that we get to hear is about termites.
The losses inflicted by termites
Termites are involved in damaging woods including beds, desks, cabinets, and book shelves. Apart from damaging the beauty of the house, they also ruin its value. The damages caused by termites cannot be underestimated. They are heavy if the problem is not resolved. According to some estimates, homeowners in USA have to spend about $2 billion each year on termite prevention and treatment. Such heavy losses show the seriousness of the problem. If the threat is remained undetected, you may find them spreading all over the house. This will result in heavier losses as you would then must untimely repairs.
How do termites survive?
Obtaining a brief idea of how termites survive will help you in locating any possible termite colony. Once you are aware of the means which they use for surviving, then you can easily find them. Moisture is essential for the survival of termites. Without moisture they cannot survive. Termites are usually found living on damp soil. They tend to build their nests on damp soil. In fact, they usually go on to build a series of underground connected nests. They also create tunnels which they use for finding food such as wooden parts. Once they find the food, they bring it back into their colony.
Detecting any possible colony
It is possible that termites have built up a colony without your knowledge. The question is that how do you inspect it. For this you would need to look out for four things; swarm, tunnels, wings and damaged woods.
Swarm implies the flying ants that may seem inside your home. If they do, then the termite colony would not be far away. Tunnels are created by the termites which they use it to find their food. Wings are usually found by the windows as they are left by the swarm if there is a termite colony. Damaged woods are the clearest of all signs. Tapping a damaged wood would produce a dull thud. If you hear that sound, then your wood has been infested.
The best way of detecting infestation
Though the methods discussed above are important ways of detecting termites, yet at times the infestation goes undetected. This is because the plain eyes are not so capable of detecting infestations.
