Termite damage can go unnoticed for a considerable time. Unfortunately, once a termite infestation is realized, it can cost homeowners in Savannah and elsewhere thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs to fix termite damage. To catch termites in your Savannah home at the first sign, read on for what you need to know about termites in Savannah and what a termite infestation in Savannah looks like. Find out if termites are destructive pests in Savannah homes, and why termite control in Savannah is necessary.
What You Need To Know About Termites In Savannah
Termite infestations are high in Savannah and throughout Georgia because of its humid subtropical climate. Termites of all species thrive in warm to hot temperatures, ranging from 75 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit; however, termites can live in conditions with temperatures ranging from 25 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, which is why, despite being perceived as a spring and summer pest, they’re a common pest in the United States year-round.
In Savannah, there are three types of termites typically found:
- Eastern subterranean termites
- Drywood termites
- Formosan subterranean termites
The most prevalent species are the eastern subterranean termites, which create mud tubes (more on this below). However, all three termites are similar in appearance, ranging from a yellow translucent color to a light tan and measuring from a quarter-inch to a half-inch long.
What Does A Termite Infestation In Savannah Look Like?
It can take anywhere from three to eight years to notice termites, depending on the size of the infestation and the extent of the damage. However, there are five telltale signs that indicate you may have a termite infestation in your Savannah home.
1. Mud tubes, which are essentially tunnels made from a combination of termite saliva, soil, and wood, that termites use to gain access to wood sources when there is a void between the floor and the ceiling. These are typically seen in crawlspaces and basements. Mud tubes are specifically a sign of eastern subterranean termites.
2. Clicking sounds coming from the walls, which indicate that termites are both present and feeding.
3. Frass, or termite droppings, appear as small wooden pellets found in piles around areas where termites are infesting.
4. Swarmers are flying termites that indicate that mating is occurring; termites mate out in the open, and swarmers suggest a growing infestation.
5. Rotting wood is a sign that may indicate a longstanding and severe termite infestation.
Termites Are Destructive Pests In Savannah Homes
Even though termites, individually, are tiny, measuring just one-fourth or a half-inch long, they can cause severe damage to your home and property. Termites feed on wooden structures, including support beams, and they also cause damage to the foundation. Because many homeowners insurance companies see termite damage as a preventable pest, the costs of repairs are not typically covered. This leaves homeowners to cover the costs of termite damage, which can top the thousands. In worst-case scenarios, termite damage can cause a home to be deemed inhabitable.
Why Termite Control In Savannah Is Necessary
To keep your home standing firm and safe for many years to come, it’s essential to enlist the help of professional termite control services for your Savannah home and property. The professionals at Prestige Pest Control have been serving homeowners in Savannah since 1996 and pay special care to provide stress-free pest control services to keep you and your family safe. Call the professionals at Prestige Pest Control today to schedule a free inspection at the first sign of termites.