One lazy, warm spring day, my eye happened upon a strange sight while sitting by a window. Out of the ground streamed flying insects, one after another. They looked harmless, their wings quiet and invisible unless the sun hit them just so. This went on for nearly twenty minutes and because of that I mentioned it to someone. They were swarming termites, dispersing from their underground nest. Later, they drop to the ground where they lose their wings. They pair up with a mate and begin a new colony.

In the US, termite damage costs hundreds of millions of dollars each year. While they’re a known problem from coast to coast, species vary. Ohio is home to subterranean termites. I you don’t live in Ohio, click the map link at the end of this article to determine your termite risk.

Outside, you may find mud tubes on fences, wood piles or wood stumps on your property. While less concerning than if you see them leaving from the base of your home, porch, window sills or doors, it is advisable to remove these threats. Termites search for and find vulnerabilities in your home, cracks in the foundations or other weak points around wiring and plumbing. Once inside, they can and often do go undetected for years in a home, even in exposed wood. In slab homes, they often begin at the baseboards and then move up into the walls. In homes with basements, they can begin at sillplates, or come through cracks and gaps.

Although drywood termites are not established in Ohio, they can travel in wooden objects such as furniture and crates and be inadvertently introduced to a home where they’ll establish a colony. To run your own termite inspection, check out this informative step by step article by Mike Dukes  or hire a reputable professional to inspect your home.

If you’re among the lucky ones who have no termite damage, consider preventive measures by creating a termite barrier. Additionally, you don’t want anything sitting up against your home that might allow termites easy entry. Remove woodpiles and organic matter like leaves and mulch made of wood chips. Termite control can be obtained in better garden stores and hardware centers for considerably less money than hiring a pest control company, but you must weigh the pros and cons of such an action. A simple oversight could cost considerably more than professional services.

If you do find evidence of termites you now must consider your options. Will you treat yourself or hire a professional? The general consensus regarding the most important investment of your life seems to be that if little invaders are making your home their lunch, it’s time to call in heavy hitters. A quick Google search can help you make an informed decision. You can get the name of reputable companies in your area by doing a little homework. References from friends, Angie’s List, or listings like this that review exterminator companies can be an enormous help.

One truth holds true, however, if you find evidence, do somethingsooner rather than later. The longer you let it go the worse it will be. Termites only die out when the wood runs out. In the meantime, they’re procreating and likely becoming a larger colony, which means more of them doing more damage. By acting now, and remaining vigilant, you can save costly repairs and maintain the integrity of your home.

Termite Zone Map

Questions about financing a new home? Visit our website at OhioCapitalMortgage.com.