How To Identify And Prevent Termite Infestations In Suffolk County

Termite infestations can take years before homeowners notice them, and by that time, these pests can cause irreparable damage to your home. For Suffolk County homeowners, here’s what you should know about the signs of termites, why termites infest wood, how you can protect your home from them, and how pest control in Suffolk County can help you get rid of and prevent termites. 

Clear Signs Of A Termite Infestation

Because the signs of termites tend to be subtle, it’s important for homeowners to know what to look for, such as: 

• Doors and windows that feel like they constantly get stuck in their frames 

• Paint that seems like it’s peeling off the walls 

• Drywall that starts to droop or bubble over time

• Walls and floors that look water-damaged 

• Mud tubes surrounding your foundation or the soil around your home 

• Tiny, pin-sized holes in your walls 

• Termite droppings, which may look like coffee grounds and sawdust, in areas of high termite activity 

• Termite wings, which may look like fish scales, around your home or property

• Hardwood floors or tiles that suddenly become loose due to excess moisture

• Wooden structures that start to rot or look water-damaged over time

• Termite swarmers flying around your property or your home

• The wood in your home sounds hollow when you step or tap on it 

• Your furniture or other wood in your home has maze-like patterns on it 

Even with the signs above, the easiest way to identify a termite infestation is by working with a pest control professional and obtaining annual inspections of your home. The signs above can take years to become apparent, so annual inspections can help you catch infestations much earlier and before substantial damage has occurred.

Why Termites Infest And Destroy Wood

Do termites eat wood? Yes, termites do eat wood for the nutrients in the cellulose it contains, but they also nest in the wooden structures of your home by hollowing out the wood and building tunnels. 

Termite damage can sometimes extend to non-wooden materials containing cellulose, like paper or cardboard. Stacks of newspaper and storage boxes can be susceptible to termite damage. Certain types of termites, like drywood termites, don’t need as much moisture as other species do and may eat through drywall or wooden furniture in your home. 

While small termite infestations may only include a couple of thousand termites, large infestations can grow numbers into the millions. A large termite infestation can eat almost a pound of wood per day. 

Natural Ways To Remove Factors That Attract Termites

A termite problem can be difficult to prevent, but here are some natural ways to make your Suffolk County home less attractive to these pests, including: 

• Eliminate any contact between soil and wood: Subterranean termites can be drawn to homes that allow easy access between wood and soil, so you’ll want to create distance between wooden siding and soil around your home. 
• Fix any leaks: If you’ve got leaking roofs, pipes, or other moisture issues, it may only be a matter of time before you end up with termites. Most termites, especially dampwood termites, are drawn to water-damaged or rotting wood. 
• Get rid of clutter: Cellulose materials, like paper, cardboard boxes, newspapers, and other excess clutter, can attract termites. Try to regularly de-clutter your home of any items with cellulose. 
• Regularly check for termites: Checking for the signs of termites listed above can help you catch infestations early. 

And, as mentioned above, the best way to detect termite infestations – or find ways that you may be attracting them – is by working with a pest control company. 

Contact The Pros For Total Termite Control

Can you get rid of termites? You can get rid of termites, but there’s only one effective way to do so: contacting the pros at A&M Quality Pest Control. We’ve been servicing homes with termite infestations in Suffolk County, Long Island, and surrounding areas for more than a decade. Whether you’re noticing signs of termites, want an annual inspection, or even more guidance on how you can naturally prevent these pests, we’re only one phone call away. Contact A&M Quality Pest Control to learn more about what our termite treatments entail or to schedule your inspection today. 

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