There are, in fact, threats to your home that you might not even know about. One of the most damaging and quite hidden is the Formosan subterranean termite. These tiny pests are known for causing really massive damage, maybe even when most homeowners don’t realize that they actually have a problem until it’s already too late.
So how would you know for sure that your home is safe from these voracious insects? It is simple: only an expert can tell. In this blog, we will walk through some of the dangers that Formosan subterranean termites could pose, the damage they may inflict, and how much the inspection by an expert could contribute to keeping one’s home protected.
Overview
In order to know how to protect your home, it is important to know some details concerning its enemy, the Formosan subterranean termite. They are invasive and so aggressive as to exceed the average damage level of all other termites. Like the termite that eats wood underground, this one is known to consume wood at a faster rate. Because of the structural crypts in your home, many people do not realize they have an infestation until very significant damage has been done.
Unlike most other termites, Formosan subterranean termites build colonies numbering in the millions. Once again, because of their very large size, faster damage occurs. Often, they are called “super termites” because of their very powerful devouring action, and most materials in a house structure, including woodwork and other furnishing items in your home, are eaten away.
How Can You Recognize the Signs of a Formosan Termite Infestation?
While Formosan subterranean termites are very good at being unseen, there are indications along which you can find their presence before too much damage is done. Mud tubes formed along your foundation or walls are among the very common signs. These mud tubes act as a shielded pathway for the termites from their nest to their food source—your wood.
Another sign is that when wood is tapped, it makes a hollow sound. Tapping on wooden beams or floors, if the sound emanating is hollow, it indicates that the termites have consumed wood pieces from the inside. Discarded wings scattered around your home are also a warning sign—it usually happens when a swarm of termites takes place in the spring.
The Importance of Professional Inspections
You could be wondering: Can’t I just check for termites myself? Yes, you can look for some of the basic signs of an infestation. But, since Formosan subterranean termites can hide so well, they remain largely unseen, therefore making it almost impossible for an untrained eye to see their activity until it’s too late to intervene.
This is where an expert gets in. With the help of a termite expert like you would find at Blackwater Consulting Services, a thorough inspection can be done on your home. We will know how to find infestations that are hard to detect and how to gauge the damage done. Our experts will perform a thorough check and then determine whether Formosan subterranean termites are present and formulate a treatment approach and preventive measures.
Beyond Termites: Wood Damage from Carpenter Ants
However infamous the Formosan subterranean termites are seen as a house-injuring insect pest, they are by no means the only ones you should be worried about. Carpenter ants are yet another common nuisance that can seriously damage the wood. Carpenter ants, unlike many kinds of termites, don’t eat wood; they hollow it out for nest-making. Over time, this hollowing can weaken the structure of your house and can infringe upon safety.
If you notice symptoms of wood damage, such as saggy floors or walls, you ought to get a professional inspection for both termites and carpenter ants. These pests often work together to do damage that you might not expect. An expert can, therefore, identify the problem and provide recommendations for treatment in the best interest of both pest types.
The Cost of Ignoring an Infestation
Termites may work slowly on and off, eating their way through concrete foundations, timber support beams, and even into the carcass of the roof system of your house. With time, the destruction inflicted upon the house could render it unlivable and compel the homeowners to dig deep into their pockets and spend thousands on repairing a house that is otherwise safe and free for habitation.
On the contrary, the more chances you give the infestation over time, the more difficult it is to treat. Schedule a professional inspection at the very first symptom of the trouble, and it will be worth a lot of monetary savings in the long run. The actual inspection would make an examination not only for Formosan subterranean termites but also for any other threats regarding wood, whether it be carpenter ants or other organisms.
Conclusion
If you suspect Formosan subterranean termites are present in your home, don’t wait for the damage to pile up. Call the people at Blackwater Consulting Services without hesitation. We can conduct a thorough inspection with peace of mind as a consequence of many decades of experience and knowledge of termite behavior.
While inspecting for termite damage, we make assessments, testifying, and litigation consulting work, determining the extent of damage caused by Formosan subterranean termites and other pests such as carpenter ants; this will help you decide what to do next. Do not let these horrible critters do any more damage to your home; listen to our advice for the sake of your property and your investment.