Here in Oregon there are a lot of dangerous pests that surround your property. These pests are a danger to the wood in your home: termites, carpenter ants and wood beetles. According to the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), termites in general are responsible for more than $5 billion in property damage each year. They can be present and you wouldn’t even know they exist until extensive damage has been done.
Think about all the wood in your house. From the foundational beams to the walls and roof to the deck and patio furniture. All this wood attracts hungry wood destroying pests. However, you don’t have to be a victim if you know how to protect your wood and prevent these pests from damaging your home.
If you have wood-destroying pests in your home click here to get a free natural removal estimate
Steps to Take to Prevent the Problem
You want to avoid attracting wood destroying pests to your home in the first place. Fortunately, you can do several things that will cross your property off their radar.
- Buy treated wood if you’re building a fence or a deck
- Buy wood that is naturally resistant to pests, such as cedar or teak
- Seal existing wood – use a sealer on your deck or patio or other areas
- Treat raw wood – you can even find spray products that will treat wood below the ground
While some of these steps may not guarantee you won’t have pests, it can reduce your risk significantly.
The most important thing you can do is have a regular inspection to check for the presence of these pests or damage to your wood. A professional team can recognize the signs and help you deal with the problem before it becomes severe.
Identify the Problem and Treat It
These pests can do a lot of damage before you know about it, but you can identify the issue if you know what to look for. Often, the bugs are so small you won’t see them, only the result of their work.
For example, wood beetles will leave a pile of sawdust where they bore holes into the wood. Carpenter ants travel in lines, which make them easier to spot. They will leave large holes in wood where they have penetrated. Termites may leave piles of wings once they shed. Areas where they have been working are often soft and will crumble if pressed.
To get rid of wood-destroying pests click here and get a free estimate.
Symptoms to Watch For
While it’s often difficult to see the pests that are destroying your wood, you can learn to recognize symptoms of a potential problem. Consider all the following:
- Soft floors
- Creaking boards as you walk
- Doors that aren’t aligned correctly
- Squeaking doors
- Noise in the walls
- Flaky foundation
These signs may indicate a problem with pests or another issue. The only way to tell for sure is by getting an inspection from a pest control company.
To treat the areas where the pests have taken up residence, you’ll need the services of a professional company. You must realize that if you see evidence of any wood-destroying pests in your home, there are probably thousands of these creatures invading your wood. A pro can treat the area and get rid of the pests so you can assess and repair the damage.
If you’re worried about wood-destroying pests or you just want to know your home is safe, contact All Natural Pest Elimination to set up an appointment for an inspection. Give us a call at 1-877-662-8449 today and let us help you protect your home!
