Owning a home is a dream for many in Temecula. The idea of putting roots down in a place that’s yours and never having to pay a landlord again is enticing to be sure! But sometimes, that dream can turn into a nightmare when that home needs a major repair or when disaster strikes. When that happens, there’s no landlord to call to come fix (and pay for) the problem. It’s all on you!
Not all disasters can be avoided, but certainly some can. One common home problem in Temecula is termite infestations. There’s not a lot you can do to completely prevent termites from finding your home, although there are a few things that can help, like keeping wood piles away from your house and regularly sealing exposed wood structures like decks and patio covers. However, if you know what to look for, you can spot termites before they have a chance to do major damage to your home.
How to Know If Your Temecula Home Has a Termite Problem
As you probably already know, termites are very small creatures. They can be difficult to see if you’re not actively looking for them, and many people confuse them for ants.
There are basically two types of termites in Temecula: Drywood termites and Subterranean termites. Drywood termites look like flying ants and typically show up in the fall. If they have made their way into your home, you’ll start to see small piles of sawdust in or around your house. Subterranean termites also resemble ants but tend to be active in the spring. Subterranean termites produce what are known as “mud tubes,” which are small lines of dirt that you will see going up from your foundation or on your interior walls.
What to Do If You Think Your Temecula Home Has Termites
If you see signs of termites or termite activity, it’s important to take action fast! Although they are small, termites can do a lot of damage in a short amount of time. If left unchecked, a large infestation can compromise the structural integrity of you home!
If caught early enough, termites can be eliminated using a spot treatment. Spot treatments often use orange oil or heat to eliminate termites that are in a localized area. Spot treatments are much less expensive and less invasive than having your whole house tented, which is typically the treatment for a large termite infestation that is not localized. In addition, when termites are caught early, homeowners can often avoid termite damage, which can result in costly home repairs.
Pest control companies like Knockout Pest Control & Termite in Temecula recommend getting a termite inspection every few years so you can be sure to catch termites early. They say it should be considered preventative maintenance for your home and will be money well spent if it means you can avoid extensive termite damage and costly termite treatment.