When thinking about pests, one of the worst types to encounter are termites. While there are some pests such as ants and stink bugs that are considered nuisance pests, termites are one kind of insect that can do a significant amount of damage to a New York City home or apartment. These creatures eat their way through wooden structures which means they can destroy anything from walls to floors to ceilings.
The damage that termites do can be significant. They can end up costing residents thousands of dollars in repairs. The other unfortunate thing about termites is that they can cause damage at any time of the year. However, termite season is the time of year that usually begins around March. This is the time of year when termite colonies began to branch out and look for new areas to build nests. This means that termites at this time are actively trying to expand and reproduce.
Termite swarms or swarmers are the caste of the termite colony that is responsible for reproduction. These are the only termites to be seen leaving the nest, so they are likely one of the first signs of an infestation.
Termite swarmers look like this:
- Look similar to flying ants
- Are usually a tan color
- Have oval-shaped bodies
- Have translucent wings that are a lot longer than their bodies
How Much Damage Can Termites Do?
One of the frustrating things about termite infestations is that they can cause a lot of damage before you even notice them. Termite season is when you’re most likely to notice signs, but termites could already have been in your residence causing damage. The damage that termites can cause is rather significant. Here are some facts about termite infestations:
Around 100,000 homes are impacted by termite damage in the U.S. each year. In the country, people collectively spend about $5 billion on termite issues each year. Each homeowner impacted spends around $3,000 dollars repairing termite damage.
Signs Of Termites And Prevention Tips
To protect your residence from termite damage, it’s important to know the signs of an infestation so you can identify one early on. Here are common signs of termites:
- Mud tubes on foundations
- Hollow-sounding wood
- Discolored drywall
- Clicking noises in the wall
- Buckling floorboards
- Peeling paint that looks like water damage
- Doors and windows that are hard to close
Knowing the signs can help identify a current infestation, but the best way to deal with termites is to prevent them before they start damaging your home or apartment. While prevention methods aren’t ever completely effective, they can help. Here are some termite prevention tips:
- Get rid of excess moisture in the residence by fixing leaky faucets and pipes.
- Use weather stripping around doors and windows.
- Keep decaying wood or firewood away from the exterior of your home.
- Considering getting an annual or semi-annual termite inspection.
What Should You Do If You Have An Infestation?
At the first sign of termite swarmers or their discarded wings, get in contact with the professional pest control team at Parkway Pest Services. With over 85 years of experience, we can effectively help you prevent and eliminate termites. Pest control services can save you a lot of money in termite damage, so it’s important to seek out professional services at the first sign of these pests.