If you are worried about potential termite damage in your home, you are certainly not alone! Each year, billions of dollars worth of structural damage is caused by these wood-boring pests, with property owners spending over $2 billion to treat the problem. Let’s take a look at how to identify a termite infestation in your home and how to utilize expert termite treatment in Knoxville to eradicate the problem and protect your property from further damage.

How Will I Know I Have Termites?

If you want to protect your home from termite damage, the first step is knowing how to identify if you have a problem so you know when to call for termite treatment in Knoxville. Unfortunately, a termite infestation can fester unnoticed for months or even years before it is noticed, usually when construction work is started or when the homeowner sees a swarm. It is important to be vigilant to look out for the following signs that could indicate that you are in need of termite treatment in Knoxville:

• Mud Tubes - Termites use mud tubes to travel between the colony and food sources. They are around the same width as a pencil and will usually be found close to the foundation of the building. If you see them in your home, arranging termite treatment in Knoxville as soon as possible is important.
• Wood Damage - Termites will eat through wood from the inside out, so if wood in your home has termite damage, it is likely to sound hollow when you tap it. You may also find that windows and doors start to stick and are more difficult to open.
• Swarmers or Dropped Wings - In the warmer months, winged termites, also known as swarmers, will emerge in search of places to start new colonies. If you see swarms or discarded wings near doors or windowsills, there is a good chance you have termites.
• Frass aka Termite Droppings - Termites will leave pellet-like droppings called frass. These will be found near access points and areas where the termites are active.
• Bubbling or Uneven Paint - When termites are tunneling through the walls, it can cause the paint on the surface to bubble or start to look uneven. If you notice this, it is time to start considering termite treatment in Knoxville.
• Unexplained Clicking Sounds - Did you know that soldier termites make clicking or tapping sounds inside your walls in order to communicate with the rest of the colony? If you have keen hearing, you may notice this noise if you have a termite infestation.
• Live Termites - If you happen to disturb a termite nest somewhere on your property, you may spot some live termites out in the open.

What Can I Do to Prevent Termites?

When it comes to termites, prevention is often better than a cure! It is important to make your property as unattractive to termites as possible. In new construction, this can include choosing a concrete foundation and making sure that there is ventilation between the soil and any wood. Exposed wood should also be sealed with a metal barrier or sealant. In an existing property, termite treatment in Knoxville can be used as a preventative measure to protect your home, but you may also wish to take some of the following precautions to prevent a termite infestation:

• Check for access points around the home, and fill in any cracks with cement, grout, or caulk
• Handle any leaks immediately to avoid moist environments
• Make sure all vents are not blocked by plants or other debris
• Trees and shrubs should not be planted too close to the structure, especially not against exposed wood
• If you keep firewood, it must be elevated off the ground and a minimum of 20 feet away from the foundation
• Regular termite inspections can help to find termite colonies before they are fully established

What Happens If I Have An Infestation?

If you find evidence of a termite infestation in your home, it is important to take action immediately. The first step is to find a licensed contractor offering termite treatment in Knoxville. They will carry out an inspection of the property and determine the best treatment plan based on what they find. At Otis Pest Control, our technicians have a wide range of field experience in termite treatment. We use Termidor chemical foundation treatment to get immediate results and offer long-term protection against future infestations. Meanwhile, we also use Advance Termite Bair Stations in conjunction with chemical treatment to provide a comprehensive approach to termite treatment in Knoxville.

In conclusion, protecting your home from termites is an essential part of maintaining its structural integrity and value. Termites can silently wreak havoc for months or even years, making early detection and prevention crucial. By staying vigilant for signs of an infestation, taking preventive measures, and seeking professional termite treatment in Knoxville when necessary, you can safeguard your property from costly damage. Whether it’s through expert services like Otis Pest Control or proactive maintenance on your part, addressing termites promptly ensures peace of mind and a secure home for years to come.

--

Otis Termite & Pest Control is a full-service pest control company with a focus on outstanding service. We have been serving the East Tennessee area for over 56 years and our reputation is built on prompt and effective service. We’re good at what we do and we’re fast. We do the job right the first time – and that’s an actual guarantee! 

Call 865.690.1662 or visit www.otispestcontrol.net.