Overview On Termites: New York
Many properties are devalued or rendered dangerous to be lived in because of termites. In fact, any structure with wooden parts should be protected and regularly inspected for termite infestation. Properties in big cities are not totally safe from termites, New York included. However, many cases of infestation are discovered too late, when damage is already extensive.
What signs should homeowners and apartment dwellers look out for? Holes in the wood, sagging doors and discarded insect wings are some indicators that termites may be present. Wood surfaces such as windowsills may have wood debris or mud tubes or trails may be found along the foundation of the house.
Termites eating the wood from the inside can cause bubbles in painted wood surfaces. Inside wood, termites appear yellow or white. Sometimes, they can be seen outside, looking like flying ants. This is usually the point when exterminators are called in.
To check for termites, New York residents are advised to look in attics, basements and any crawl spaces or areas under the house. Places where plumbing or pipes, cabinets and anywhere the foundation can be seen should be checked as well. Suspicious hollow sounds when tapping at wood with a hammer or blunt object? That can be a sign of termite activity, too.
Aside from wood parts of a structure, termites can also destroy books, plants, trees and even parts of a swimming pool. It is a good idea to have a property inspected for termites and applying treatment if needed, before selling it or leasing / renting it out. Potential buyers or renters will not want a property that cannot pass a termite inspection.
Treatment can vary, depending on the type of termite causing the infestation. Termites can live in wood, such as the dry wood termite species. Another type, the subterranean termite, burrows into soil. Flying termites are not a species of termite, but are a caste of termite used for reproducing and founding new colonies.
It is best to get a termite inspector on the premises to confirm a suspected termite infestation and recommend a treatment. Termite treatment, however, should be left to an exterminator. New York residents are advised to get professional assistance in destroying colonies and active infestations.
Liquid treatments, termite baits, borate treatments and fumigation – these are some treatments that can be applied to get rid of termites. Spot treatment can also work if only a small part of the house is affected. There are some simple preventive measures that homeowners can use to prevent infestations from recurring, but the most important thing to do is to have regular inspections to discover colonies before they become too expensive, preventing termites from doing substantial damage.
Troubles with termites in New York happen a bit more frequently than you may think. If you suspect you are experiencing issues with termites look for a local Exterminator in New York and have your home inspected.
