Termites in Atlanta. Every homeowner’s worst nightmare. When termites attack your house, they can cause devastating damage which can be extremely expensive to fix. This means the best defense is a good offense.
Atlanta’s warm and humid climate is a delight for termites and Georgia is one of the worst states in the country for termite infestations. They are quiet invaders of your house chewing away on any type of wood in their path and are usually recognizable by their sheer numbers. It’s imperative you stay on top of preventative treatments, particularly in late spring and early summer when termites are most active and swarmers are looking for new homes.
Types of Termites
The subterranean termite is the most common species in the US and in Georgia. Because of their constant need for water and moisture, they make large nests underground and usually enter the house through the flooring. They build mud tubes to a food source which can be a tree, a fence or your home.
Unfortunately, the most common subterranean termite in Atlanta, is the Formosan termite – an aggressive species native to China that are often called “super termites.” They tend to swarm at night, breed fast and can destroy wood structure quickly.
Note: Termites are often mistaken for flying ants. While no one wants either pest near their homes, ants are actually known predators of termites. Learn more about spotting the differences here. If you see either, you should contact us for treatment.
What does Termite Damage look like?
Termites feed on cellulose, an organic material found in wood. For this reason alone, nearly every standard home construction type is at risk along with a number of items inside the home or in your yard.
Beyond finding actual termites, there are visible signs of a termite infestation including:
- Bubbling or peeling paint
- Hollow-sounding wood
- Sagging floors or ceilings
- Soft, squishy or crumbling wood in any structure
- Cracked or distorted paint on wood surfaces
- Red clay or mud trails
- Mud tubes on exterior walls
Termite damage can often look like water damage which homeowners often ignore for several months. However, it is really important you investigate the damager further – and quickly!
The danger of termites lies in the fact that an infestation can go on for some time before ever being noticed. Since these wood-boring insects are largely silent, it’s difficult to notice them until the damage has been done. This is why regular preventive inspections are so important!
If you see any evidence of termites at all, do not hesitate to give us a call at 770-448-9696. Or visit our Termite Services page to learn more as well as get a free estimate.