As a homeowner, you do everything in your power to protect your family, which means ensuring your home is safe and secure. However, while you may be concerned about protecting your home from the outside-in, you should also be concerned with protecting your home from the inside-out.
While some dangers inside your home are easy to spot, others may not be so obvious because they literally remain hidden behind closed doors. For example, pest infestations, particularly home termite infestations, are among the most destructive issues a homeowner can face. In fact, termite infestations damage well over a half million -- 600,000 -- U.S. homes annually. In addition, each year, termites cause an estimated $5 billion in property damage -- costs that typically aren't covered by homeowners' insurance policies.
How is this possible? Termites continuously chomp on the wood inside your home all day, everyday.
As such, pest control should be among your top priorities, especially if you live in humid areas that are prone to termite infestations. Now that spring is officially here, it's the perfect time to contact your local pest control company in order to schedule an inspection. Even if you don't suspect you have a termite or any other kind of pest infestation, it doesn't hurt to have a check up. After all, the best pest control is preventative maintenance.
However, before your scheduled inspection, there are signs you can look for around your home that may be indicative of a possible termite infestation. For example hollow-sounding wood is usually a sign that termites lay lurking under the surface. Even if the wood's surface appears smooth, there could be extensive damage underneath. Also, cracked or distorted paint on wood surfaces can be a sign of a possible infestation. Swarming drywood termites are able to squeeze through openings thinner than the edge of a dime; therefore it's important to keep an eye out for any cracks in your home's foundation, especially close to roof siding, vents, and windows.
If your inspection does reveal an active infestation, it's time to discuss treatment options with your professional. While many people immediately think of whole-house tenting and fumigation, there is a highly effective, less-invasive solution for certain types of infestations: termite orange oil treatment.
This eco-friendly option has become a popular choice for homeowners who want to avoid the disruption and harsh chemicals associated with fumigation.
