How Dangerous Is It To Have Termites On My Western Massachusetts Property?

Growing up to half an inch long with straight antennae, a termite’s coloring can range from white to light brown, depending on the species. The life cycle of a termite is different than a lot of other pests – at reproduction, termites swarm, mate with each other, and go on to establish their own colonies. Termite eggs hatch into white larvae and eventually become nymphs, which are young termites that shed their exoskeletons.

Besides their life cycle, termite habits are also unique – some species, like subterranean termites, prefer to nest in your home’s foundation, while drywood termites like to create colonies in your walls.

Regardless of which type you’re dealing with, termites aren’t good news. Here’s what Western Massachusetts homeowners should know about the dangers of having termites, signs of termite activity and how to prevent them, and what to do if you’re spotting those signs in your own home.

Are Termites Harmful In Western Massachusetts?

The good news is that termites aren’t known to transmit diseases like some pests are, but that doesn’t mean they are harmless. Even if they aren’t linked to disease, termites can trigger allergic reactions in many people.

When they shed their skin, discard their wings, or produce droppings, some of the proteins in these things can induce allergies or asthma in many people. So, some people with termite infestations may find that their asthma symptoms have worsened or that they’re frequently coughing and sneezing.

Not to mention, the harm termites cause can go beyond the health risks as these pests can cause significant structural damage to your home too.

Signs Of Termite Activity In Western Massachusetts

While the signs may be subtle, termites do leave traces behind, so you’ll want to watch out for these signs of termite activity:

• There are actual termite swarms around your property during mating season
• Drywall that becomes discolored or drooping
• Mud tubes around and climbing your foundation
• Peeling paint on your walls that may resemble water damage
• After swarms, there are discarded wings around windows and doors
• When you tap on it, wood in your walls or flooring sounds hollow
• Termite droppings that resemble specks of salt and pepper
• Tiny pin-sized holes in your walls
• Maze-like patterns left on wood flooring, walls, and furniture
• Laminate and wooden flooring that begins to buckle
• Windows or doors that suddenly start to stick
• Damaged, crumbling wood
• Loose tiles due to excess moisture
• Squeaky floorboards

How To Prevent Termites In Western Massachusetts

Although termites aren’t an easy pest to prevent, there are a couple of things you can do to make it harder for them to get inside your home, including:

• Keep wood at least eight inches off the ground and store firewood at least twenty feet away from your actual house.
• Get rid of mulch, wood, paper, cardboard, and cellulose-based materials that may be scattered near the foundation of your home.
• If you have a fence on your property, regularly check for damaged or rotting wood.
• Keep wooden siding on your home at least inches off the ground.
• Create at least a four-inch barrier between mulch and the foundation of your home.
• Deal with any drainage issues, like flooded or obstructed gutters that may be allowing your soil to get oversaturated, especially near the foundation.
• Don’t leave newspapers, paper products, or cellulose-based materials around your home for long periods of time.
• Turn off outdoor lights at nighttime, which may attract flying termites during mating season.
• Patch up any cracks in the foundation of your home.
• Get rid of rotting and damaged wood that may be lying around your property, including dead tree stumps.

The best approach to termite care is prevention. However, if termites make it past our defenses, it may be time to call the professionals.

How To Handle A Termite Problem In Western Massachusetts

If you’re checking the boxes on the signs of a termite infestation, your first instinct might be to try and solve the problem yourself. But, with as much damage as termites cause, the only effective solution to a termite problem is a professional one.

Not only can a professional pest control service eliminate the termites in your home and around your property, but they can also help identify how much damage has been done. If you’re noticing the signs and think you’ve got a termite problem on your hands, you shouldn’t wait – contact the professionals American Pest Solutions today for further assistance and advice.