Did you know the planetary economic impact of termites is around forty billion dollars every year?
When these silent destroyers set their sights on your business, the results can be catastrophic. Business owners often need to make costly repairs and even might face downtime.
Unfortunately, the very nature of doing business often makes companies perfect termite targets. Buildings offer many hidden corners for these pests to quietly proliferate and unleash their destructive potential.
The good news is that there are various simple things you can do to protect your business from termite damage. To help you out, we have written a guide. Keep reading if you would like to find out more.
Know the Signs of Termites
Recognizing the signs of termites early on is key in preventing extensive damage to your business. Termites are often called ‘silent destroyers.’
They may be secretly hiding and thriving in your business without any immediate signs of damage.
Therefore, having a reliable commercial pest control plan can protect your business from these insidious insects. Here is everything you need to know what are termites and what the signs are that they’re in your building.
1. Hollow Sounding Wood
Termites consume wood from the inside out, often leaving a thin veneer of wood or paint. If you tap or knock on your business’s wooden structures and they sound hollow or papery, this may suggest the presence of termites.
It’s also wise to look for any small holes or crumbling drywall. This could indicate termites are eating through your structures.
2. Tight Fitting Windows and Doors
As termites devour wood, their excrement or ‘mud’ can create a protective environment that traps heat and moisture.
This can cause wooden doors and window frames to warp. It might be difficult to open or close them.
If your business’s doors or windows suddenly start fitting tightly, it might be time to call in a commercial pest control team.
3. Interior Damage
Termite damage is not always obvious. They’re excellent at hiding and avoiding detection until the problem becomes severe. Look for subtle signs like cracks or bubbling in paint or wallpaper.
This could be a sign that there are termite tunnels beneath the surface. Damage to wooden structures like door frames, window sills, and skirting boards could also be a sign.
4. Mud Tubes
Subterranean termites build mud tubes (pencil-sized mud structures) on walls, floors, and ceilings for protection as they travel between their colonies and their food sources. These tubes are a clear sign of a termite problem.
5. Live Termites
While not always easy to spot, seeing a live termite or a group of them is a sure sign of an infestation.
Worker termites are small, light-colored insects. They move quickly when exposed to light. If you see what looks like white ants in or around your business, you might be looking at termites.
What to Do if Your Business Has Termites
The first step when you identify signs of termites is not to panic. While termite damage can be severe, it usually takes some time to reach a critical stage. Therefore, if you act quickly, you can prevent further damage.
Start by contacting a professional pest control service. These experts can perform a thorough inspection to confirm the presence of termites and assess the extent of the damage.
Remember, trying to get rid of termites yourself is usually not a good idea. Over-the-counter pesticides might kill some termites.
But without professional treatment, the colony could rebound and continue damaging your business.
Professional pest control services use specialized equipment and materials to effectively get rid of termites. They will make sure that the entire colony is eradicated.
Once the infestation is under control, you’ll want to repair any damage and take measures to prevent a future termite problem.
Preventing Future Infestations
Prevention is the best form of business protection when it comes to termites. Here are some steps you can take.
1. Regular Inspections
Having regular termite inspections is an excellent preventive measure. Commercial pest control services can identify signs of an infestation early, before significant damage occurs.
It is a good idea to have a commercial pest control service visit your property at least once every six months.
2. Moisture Control
Termites love damp, humid environments. Fix any leaking pipes, make sure they are draining properly, and maintain your HVAC systems to keep your building dry. It is especially important to do this if you live in a humid area.
3. Wood Maintenance
Keep any wooden parts of your building well-maintained. Paint acts as a protective seal for wood, and replacing rotting wood can prevent termite infestations.
If termites have damaged your wooden structures, it is a good idea to have a professional examine them in order to make sure that they are still functional.
4. Minimize Wood-to-Ground Contact
Wooden structures in direct contact with soil are easy targets for termites. Maintain an 18-inch gap between the wood and the ground wherever possible.
5. Regular Cleaning
Regular cleaning can help uncover signs of termites early. Pay special attention to hidden areas like basements, storage rooms, and crawl spaces.
Protecting Your Business From Termite Damage
If you live in an area where termites exist, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the most important steps for protecting your business from termite damage.
You should first learn how to recognize the signs of termites. If there are no termites in your business, you should take preventative action. The best way to do this is by performing regular inspections.
Do you want to do more about what it takes to protect your business? If so, make sure to visit the Business section of our website.
