If you live in a property with any timber within its construction, you need to be on guard against an intruder that could literally eat you out of your house and home. So, have you taken steps to keep those subterranean termites at bay or find out if you may have an existing problem?
Always Eating
There are many different species of termite, but all of them share one thing in common, they have a voracious appetite for wood. Some species prefer to live underground quite close to a property and create mud tunnels to find their way in. Others may actually live within a timber beam or in a dark and damp corner of your property while they set about eating as much of the wood as possible.
Strange Indications
When a termite colony really takes hold, they will continue to eat around the clock and could spread through the entire home without any fanfare. You may not notice any signs of an issue apart from a strange, new "creak" when you climb up the stairs. In this case, the termites may have eaten their way through the wood beneath your carpet and be moving up the staircase.
The Extent of the Risk
In the worst-case scenario, termite damage can cause the loss of a property or, at the very least, the need to conduct massive and intrusive repair work to get everything back to normal. You may even have to replace some of the supporting beams that hold up the superstructure, and this is a job for experienced builders and engineers.
Being Aware
It's far better to be on the lookout for termite infestation and stop these tiny insects in their tracks. This is why it's important to conduct a pest inspection regularly and bring in experts who know what they're looking for.
Bating Stations
There are many different ways to kill off a termite colony. For example, you may need to install bating stations around the outside of the property, complete with poison food that can be carried back to the colony by roaming termites. The approach may vary depending on the size and configuration of your home, but once again, pest inspection experts are ready to advise you about the next step.
Too Much of a Risk
Don't risk all the equity you have built up in your home or a substantial repair bill instead. Make sure that you inspect your property for signs of termites and any other pests and be able to sleep more soundly at night.
Call a pest inspection professional if you suspect you may have termites.