What To Do If You Spot Signs Of Termite Damage Around Your Estero Home

Do you remember when you used to dream of owning your home? There is something special about having a place you can call your own. Purchasing a house involves an initial investment, and it requires an ongoing investment of time and money. The last thing you want is for your home to be damaged by termites. 

Protect your investment by partnering with the Estero pest control team from Quest Termites & Pest Services. With over 20 years of pest control experience, we deliver results using low-impact, environmentally-safe treatments. We will defend your Estero home against termites and keep your hard-earned home safe from termite damage. 

How To Identify Termite Damage 

Whether you are outside enjoying a glass of iced tea or inside the house relaxing in your recliner, you will not see a termite walking across the floor. Even though you may not see termites, you can see evidence of termite damage if you know where to look and what to examine.

Blistering paint, warping doors and frames, mud tubes on the house's exterior near the foundation, debris outside of wood holes resembling sawdust, and discarded wings of termites are signs of termites in your Estero home. Swarms of termites in the early morning in the spring and fall near lights are another indication of termites. 

Why Termites Infest And Destroy Wooden Structures 

There are three types of termites in Estero: subterranean, drywood, and Formosan. Drywood termites get moisture and nutrition by eating dry structural wood in attics and dry wood in picture frames and stairway railings. Subterranean and Formosan termites feed on rotten, moist wood in contact with the soil or dampened from leaky pipes or poor drainage. The fungi-causing odors of rotting wood attract these termite species because they instinctively know the wood will be easier to digest and penetrate. 

Factors That Attract Termites To Your Home 

These factors attract the termites in your home and cause a termite problem:

• High humidity: Humid locations like the crawlspace, basement, or attic attract subterranean and Formosan termites. Dehumidify the attic by creating adequate ventilation and diverting water from the foundation to reduce moisture in the crawlspace or basement. 

• Tree stumps: Because these hold moisture, they make perfect locations for termite nests. Subterranean and Formosan termites usually have a primary nest in the yard, then create satellite nests in homes. 

• Firewood: Piles of wood can retain moisture, especially if it is contact with the ground. Move firewood at least 20 feet from the house and elevate the pile.

• Wood contacting the soil: Create a one-inch gap between the wood and the ground. Painting wood that contacts the ground and encapsulating it with metal will help prevent termites from penetrating the wood.   

• Wood debris: Buried wood scraps attract termites and should be removed immediately from the property. 

• Wood around leaky pipes: Water-saturated wood attracts termites because it is easier to infiltrate and use for nests. 

Eliminating or fixing these issues will make your Estero yard unattractive to termites. Furthermore, sealing cracks and gaps around your home will help with termite and pest control. 

The Best Thing To Do If You Spot Signs Of Termite Damage

The best solution to get rid of termites is to secure professionals from Quest Termites & Pest Services. We will inspect your home and identify the types of termites causing the infestation. Once we know the termite species invading your house, we will create a custom plan targetting the nesting areas. We will eradicate the pests from your Estero house using family-friendly and pet-friendly treatments. Contact us today and request your free inspection.