If you have a suspicion that you have a termite infestation in your home, you will want to take the necessary steps in having them removed quickly and efficiently. Termites are known to do an abundance of damage to the structure of buildings if they are not eradicated fast enough. Here are some steps you can take in removing and deterring termites from embedding themselves in the wood areas of your home.

Know The Signs

Termites are often not seen themselves, but there are telltale signs that they may be lurking in the wood areas of your home. If you have seen any areas where the wood beams in your home have small holes in them, you may want to take a closer look. Knock on the wood to see if it gives a hollow sound. Termites will eat out the wood in the middles of wood beams, and you will notice a difference in the stability of the wood in pieces that are affected. If you see areas of what looks like sawdust, you may also have a termite problem.

Take Fast Action

To get rid of termites, you will need to hire an exterminator. There are products on the market that claim to rid your home of termites, but in reality, it is extremely difficult to do so with over-the-counter products. You will need to have a professional grade pesticide brought in your home in order to get them to go away completely. Give an exterminating company a call and have them do an assessment of your home to see if you indeed have a termite infestation. Sometimes homeowners think they have termites when in actuality they have a carpenter ant problem or even a moisture problem. An exterminator will know right away and will be able to remove them effectively.

Deter Termites From Returning

Termites are located in homes that have areas with wet wood. Moisture control is one way to keep your home safe from having termites. If you have any plumbing problems, have them repaired so there are no areas of leaking water on wood surfaces. Use dehumidifiers in areas prone to moisture.

Keep any wood piles you have outdoors far from the structure of your home. Termites eat cellulose-based items, and will be attracted to wood of any kind. Routinely give checks to the wood boards and beams around your entire home to make sure they appear structurally sound. If you have any suspicion of termites, you will want to get help immediately so the problem does not escalate.