Nashville, Murfreesboro, Knoxville and Chattanooga TN
Termites. Just the name evokes terror into a homeowner, and for good reason. The tiny, wood-eating insects can wreak havoc on your Nashville home. So how do you protect yourself from termites? Our termite exterminators in Murfreesboro have compiled the following comprehensive guide to help you understand termites and how to prevent and manage them.
What are termites, and what threat do they pose?
The Nashville area has two common kinds of termites:
- Subterranean — These are the most destructive type of termite. They live in the soil and build mud tubes to travel between colonies and reach their food sources above ground.
- Drywood — Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites do not require contact with soil and can infest dry wood directly.
How can I identify termites?
Termites are similar in size and shape to ants, but termites have straight antennae and wings that are twice as long as their body. If you’re suspicious that creepy-crawlies around your home may be termites, call our Nashville termite removal professionals at Ameri Care Services.
What attracts termites to my home?
Here are some of the most common factors that attract termites to your home:
- Moisture — Termites love moisture and will seek out areas that are damp and/or prone to water damage. Be sure you have proper drainage and that all your plumbing is working properly.
- Cracks — Termites are drawn to cracks and holes in your home’s foundation that serve as easy access spots. Inspect your foundation regularly and patch any areas where creepy-crawlies can set up shop and infest.
- Landscaping — Plant shrubs, trees or plants (or trim them back to) at least 15 inches from the foundation of your home.
- Wood — Termites eat wood, and they’ll find it especially if it’s exposed or decaying. Remove any wood piles near your home and regularly inspect for signs of termites.
What are signs of termites around my home?
If you can detect termites early, it will save you a lot of frustration (and money) in the long run.
Let’s look at signs that you may have a termite infestation:
- Mud tubes — Look around the foundation of your home, in crawl spaces, around pipes and on wooden structures like joists and beams for tubes that are about the width of a pencil and have a brown, muddy appearance. They can vary in length from a few inches to several feet and could be hollow or filled with termites.
- Discarded wings — The reproductive termites, known as swarmers, shed their wings after mating.
- Wood damage — Wood that is damaged by termites could appear hollowed out and may sound hollow when you tap on it.
- Frass — Drywood termites produce small, pellet-like droppings called frass, and they push it out of small holes in wood they infest.
Termite control in Nashville and Murfreesboro, TN
If you notice signs of termites or otherwise suspect you may have an infestation on your hands, time is of the essence. While you can find DIY measures online that promise results, they’re never guaranteed, and termites can multiply rapidly, increasing the damage to your home every hour-upon-the-hour. Our Murfreesboro termite control specialists at Ameri Care Services can inspect your home for termites and quickly deal with an infestation if one is found. Call us at (615) 823-8224, or reach us online today.