Termites are a threat to humans; still, not in the way, you may think. Often, termites are responsible for serious physical harm, yet these wood-destroying insects don’t pose the same health risks as other insects. However, termites can destroy the structure of your home in Vancouver if they infest it. For the same reason, people count termites as pests and immediately look for exterminators in Vancouver for termite control. Termite control is vital to prevent property damage to protect the value of the property. A termite infestation in your home can substantially decrease the worth of your property, that you won’t want too.
How Dangerous Are Termites If They Infest Your Property?
Termites usually don’t bite people; however, they can bite people in rare cases while defending their colonies. You can also suffer contact dermatitis, asthma attacks, and lung irritation due to a severe termite infestation. Still, these direct ills effects due to termite infestations are relatively rare. Moreover, if you don’t bother dealing with a termite infestation, they will completely destroy wooden structures in a wood-built house plus furniture within 3 years. Additionally, they can make a residential space unfit for human habitation in 5 years. Succinctly, subterranean termites are a threat to properties once they infest them.
Termites in Vancouver
The native species of subterranean termites are present in Vancouver, and subterranean termites are uncommon in this port city. Usually, termites infest homes because of maintenance issues, like slab leaks or through termite-friendly materials reaching the side of the house or both. Besides, subterranean termite colony flourishes in a certain level of moisture. Moreover, termites are cold-blooded as weather greatly affects their activity. The optimal temperature for termite activity ranges from 75 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything over 100 degrees or below 25 degrees Fahrenheit can kill termites. Nonetheless, termites can burrow as deep as 40 inches into the soil even when the weather isn’t ideal for these pests. Unfortunately, most homeowners keep their homes at a temperature that is comfortable for termites.
As soon as termites find the perfect spot in your home, they will start congregating in one location. Then, they will feed in and around the wood structure. Here are the primary ways for termites to infest our properties:
- Under the soil, through mud tunnels, and in voids
- Via existing foundation cracks or other structural damage
- In mulch reaching the sides of homes
- Through humid crawl spaces and via wood beams linked to the earth
- Though solid-wood-home contact series-firewood or landscape timbers on the ground, close to your home
It’s crucial to call exterminators in Vancouver immediately if termites infest your property or if you suspect a termite infestation. Otherwise, you can get ready to suffer the consequences, specifically significant property damage and a decrease in its resale value.
How to Spot a Termite Infestation
Now, the question is how you can identify a termite infestation. Typically, termites infest homes in a swarm season or due to home restoration or repair. Additionally, there are a number of signs that can help you identify a termite infestation. Here are the signs you should look for to identify a termite infestation:
- Termite droppings or frass which resemble sawdust or wood shavings that you can find on window sills, flooring, etc.
- Mud shelter tubes with dirt and frass on wooden structures
- Dips or holes in hardwood floors
- Mud spots, bubbles, or flaking paint on your walls
- Moisture levels above ten percent inside your home walls
- Seeing living termites searching
Primarily, there are three primary castes in subterranean termite colonies: workers, soldiers, and reproductive termites. You can easily distinguish them as they look slightly different. For example, worker termites are creamy-white with a soft body and no eyes. Soldier termites have large ant-like head capsules and overdeveloped mandibles or jaws. Reproductive termites are larger than other termites and dark-coloured with functional eyes. Reproductive termites also have wings.
How to Avoid a Termite Infestation
What if you don’t let termites infest your property in the first place. It will not only save you from the possible ill effects but also protect your property. Do the following to avoid a termite infestation in your home in Vancouver:
- Eliminate excess moisture from your home
- Install and sustain the proper rainwater diversion instruments
- Keep natural materials like soil, mulch, and landscaping matter at least 18 inches from your home. Also, store firewood at least 20 feet from your home.
Conclusion
Termites are a threat to our properties but don’t pose health risks, unlike other insects when they infest properties. Additionally, the optimal termite activity ranges from 75 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Typically, termites infest properties in the swarm season and due to home renovation or repair. Mud spots, termite droppings, and seeing living termites probing are some of the signs to spot a termite infestation. Lastly, you should immediately call exterminators in Vancouver such as Pesticon to deal with a termite infestation if termites infest your home.
