This is a tough question to answer without sounding like we're trying to scare you into investing in professional termite control services but, if you've been following our blog, you know that we just lay the facts out and let you decide. That's what we're going to do that again today.
Let's take a look at why subterranean termites in Rhode Island can be a huge problem, what you can do to protect your property, and when is the right time to get pest control in Rhode Island.
How Do Subterranean Termites Get Into Rhode Island Homes?
Subterranean termites have the potential to be a huge problem and the reason is connected to how they get into Rhode Island homes. These termites live in the ground. You can stand in your backyard and have a million termite tunneling under you without knowing it. If those termites have a reason to get into your home, they will feed on the inside of the wood and not likely reveal themselves.
Why do they stay hidden? It is because termites dry out quickly and die when they leave their tunnels. You can have a termite problem and not know it for years. How likely is this? Termites got into the White House for years and no one knew it until Eastern subterranean termite swarmers emerged from a West Wing wall just 30 feet from the Oval Office.
How do we know this infestation was in the White House for years? Termite colonies don't produce swarmers at first; it takes years. It is also possible that this was not the first release of swarmers. Usually, swarmers emerge outside. If termites can live in the White House for years without being detected, how likely are they able to live in your home without being detected?
The sneaky nature of subterranean termites allows these insects to feed on structures for years. This is the primary reason why they can be a huge problem. Will they be a huge problem for you? We can't say for sure. We certainly hope not. But, the danger exists. If you want to prevent property damage, you need to learn how to detect signs of termites in your yard and in your home. Residents that have the largest problem with these termites are residents that don't know how to detect active termites.
Why It Is So Hard To Get Rid Of Subterranean Termites On Your Property
Another reason termites can be a huge problem is that homeowners attempt to install termite control products and fail to get the effective barrier they want. There are many ways these products can fall short of their advertised effectiveness. When they do, you won't know it until you start to see damage. This is not a great way to discover that you have a termite problem.
Visible damage can take years to appear. Every year those termites are allowed to feed on the wood of your home, the greater the chance of structural stress making the problem even worse. Structural stress occurs when support beams are weakened and studs, trusses, and other wood members become warped.
Signs Of Subterranean Termites On Your Rhode Island Property
Termites have the potential to be a huge problem. How do you stop them? Our first suggestion is that we wouldn't recommend waiting until you see a termite swarm in your home, or termite swarmers appearing on an exterior wall. You don't want to give a colony years to feed on your property. You should be proactive about termite detection. Look for signs of termites in your yard or signs of active termites getting into your home.
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If you have termites in your yard, you can detect them when you pick dead branches up. They may be on the side of a branch that was touching the soil. You can also break a dead branch and look inside. If you see tiny, pale insects that are about ⅛ of an inch, you've found termites. Termite identification is key to protecting your property. Learn to recognize worker termites.
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When you move objects in your yard, particularly wood, you may see termites underneath.
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If termites are getting into your home, you may see shelter tubes on foundation walls and other hard surfaces. These are thin, wiggly lines made of mud.
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It is possible to see a swarmer on your property. If one little swarmer lands on your skin, termite identification can alert you to a potential threat and inspire you to perform a detailed inspection or to contact a licensed professional for an inspection. Eastern subterranean termite swarmers are black with long white wings but keep in mind that, at ⅜ of an inch, they're not much to look at. So, you'll have to know how to properly identify them.
Who To Call About Subterranean Termites In Rhode Island
If you need assistance with a termite inspection, termite treatment, or proactive termites control in Rhode Island, Big Blue Bug Solutions can help. We're famous for protecting properties from termites. We're the home of the big blue bug! Reach to Big Blue Bug Solution today.
