Pests come in all shapes and sizes in Connecticut. Some are harmless, while others represent a danger to humans or buildings. In the case of termites, they are known to cause significant damage to buildings, thanks to their need to eat wood and other similar materials.
What is less commonly known is how much of a threat they pose to humans. While not as harmful as other pests, termites do present their own share of problems when they interact with the people within the buildings they're eating.
What Threats Do Termites Pose?
The good news is, termites aren't known to transmit diseases, unlike other pests, which means their threat level to humans is already greatly reduced. However, there are some concerns to be aware of, which include:
- Allergies: Some people may have their allergies triggered when facing a termite infestation. The triggers live in termites' saliva and droppings.
- Asthma attacks: Thanks to the dust they create when eating away at wood, termites can trigger asthma attacks if left unchecked.
- Bites and stings: While not common, termites can actually bite and sting people if they come in contact with this pest. However, the wounds aren't toxic and don't transmit disease.
Ultimately, termites aren't considered to be directly harmful to humans beyond the way listed above. If you're prone to allergic reactions or have asthma, there is certainly a degree of risk that shouldn't be ignored when facing a termite infestation.
While there is not much direct harm possible from a termite infestation, the damage they cause to building structures cannot be overstated, which is why it's necessary to work with a professional pest control company to handle and eliminate any existing termite infestation.
Termite Activity And Active Prevention
Due to their tiny size and habit of residing within the wood of your home, it's extremely rare to catch sight of a termite outside of termite swarming season. As such, it's crucial to keep an eye out for the following signs of termite activity that include:
- Termite swarms: Arguably the most obvious sign. If you see these swarms, you're witnessing them during mating season. This is the one time when you're likely to see the termites themselves without digging into the wood.
- Peeling paint: Often mistaken for water damage, this could also indicate an active termite infestation.
- Crumbling wood: Since termites eat this material, it makes sense that one of the signs of termites is crumbling or otherwise damaged wood.
- Evidence left behind: Between their droppings, which look like salt or pepper, and the wings left behind after swarming, you may find physical evidence around the property.
If you haven't noticed these or similar signs of termite activity, you may be in luck and not be suffering from an active infestation. You can further ensure an infestation won't occur by applying the following tips:
- Soil-to-wood contact: It's critical to reduce the level of soil-to-wood contact as much as possible. Remove any mulch, plants, lumber, and other similar materials from near the foundation of your home.
- Establish a barrier: If you have a mulch pile, be sure there's at least a four-inch barrier between your home and the mulch pile.
- Check moisture levels: Termites require moisture. Whether it's standing water or a leaky faucet, they'll actively seek it out. Make sure access to water is kept to a minimum where possible.
- Preventive maintenance: This pest isn't easily noticed thanks to their habits. Regularly inspect the property and actively maintain your yard (if applicable) to keep things moving along.
Termite Protection From Big Blue Bug Solutions
Left untreated, a termite infestation causes serious damage to your home and possibly the health of the people residing within the building. That's why our team at Big Blue Bug Solutions is ready and willing to take immediate action to ensure you get peace of mind and keep your home protected from costly damage.
Do you need termite control services? Then give our experts at Big Blue Bug Solutions a call to speak with one of our agents about our professional termite control options, or fill out our online form to schedule your free inspection.