Warning for US homeowners over common insect as peak season approaches – here’s how to keep your house safe

As the weather warms, experts are warning homeowners to be on the lookout for a common insect that is wreaking havoc on properties across the country.

Known as “silent destroyers,” termites chew their way through wood and floors, causing more than $15 billion in damage annually.

And this is all the more alarming because the damage is not always covered by homeowners’ insurance policies PestWorld.

There are about 45 different species of termites found in the country, which fall into three categories: underground, drywood and dampwood.

They all have their own biology and behavior, including where they build their nests, where they are most likely to be found, and in what state they are most common.

But usually the creatures are found in damp and warm places, with the peak season usually in the spring and summer months.

Here, experts share their top tips for keeping your home safe.

Termites are so small that they cannot always be seen by the human eye.

Hotbed areas usually include attics, basements, crawl spaces, cracks or holes in walls. They are also commonly found in cardboard boxes and grocery bags, electrical wiring, under sinks and cabinets.

The most destructive are subterranean termites. About an eighth long and dark brown or black in color, these bugs build tunnels, and their sawtooth jaws make it easy to chew through wood.

Over time, they can completely destroy the structure of a home and are found in every state of the United States except Alaska. These termites are generally the most studied and reported.

Drywood termites, on the other hand, have wings and are about an inch long, white or brown. They can be found throughout the structure of a home, but usually feast on furniture, picture frames and stair railings.

These are common in the West Coast, Florida and Hawaii, but are also known to occur in the Carolinas and Texas.

Dampwood termites are attracted to moisture and, as the name suggests, usually pop up in damp areas. They are larger than their counterparts and are mainly found in the Pacific coastal states and adjacent states, the desert or semi-arid southwest and southern Florida.

The winged varieties, also known as swarmers, are the reproductive member of a termite colony, and experts explain that when they surface it usually means an infestation has occurred.

To help homeowners stay vigilant, pest control specialists have shared helpful tips.

These include sealing cracks or crevices with caulk or foam caulk, especially at entry points into the home.

You are also advised to keep wood away from the ground and install wood siding or door frames above the ground.

Signs of damaged or hollow wood, bubbling paint, stuck doors or windows could be a sign that termites have entered your residence.

Borat is a low-toxic chemical that preserves and protects wood, and can act as a barrier to prevent or minimize termite infestation.

Another way to ward off these critters is to keep the home’s foundation dry and check for leaks. Downspouts should be routed away from the foundation.

Homeowners are advised not to stack firewood against the house and to cover any wooden supplies that must be left outside.

Cleaning up after yard work and gardening is also crucial.

Mulch, a layer of material added to the soil, is also a place where termites like to live, so experts say stone or gravel may be a better choice when it comes to landscaping.

They also recommend keeping the grass on the lawn short and keeping any shrubs, vines, stumps or roots away from the exterior wall and foundation of the house to minimize future termite infestations.

Some experts explain that not all termite infestations are equal, so calling a specialist may be warranted depending on the severity of the damage.

After an assessment, an expert can treat the termites with a range of techniques, including baits, soil and barrier treatments, and fumigation.

In Louisiana, Adam Howington, owner of Parish Pest Control, said BRTproud he sees a lot Formosan termites. These colonies produce flocks of winged males and females called reproductives.

Reproductive termites are critical to keeping the termite colony productive, and without them it will eventually collapse.

He told the news channel Houses may or may not be termite magnets, and certain objects attract them. It could be as simple as a leaky faucet or moisture building up outside the exterior of the house.

“It’s attractive to termites because all they really need is wood, water and shelter and they’re ready to roll,” Howington said.