. Subterranean termites are the main species of concern in the area. Taking preventative measures, and looking for early warning signs of termites is crucial if you want to avoid the heavy cost of infestation.

Termite damage typically is not covered by homeowners insurance, so it is important for you to ensure that your home stays protected. Here is some information to help you learn how to identify, prevent, and treat infestations.

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How to tell if you have a termite infestation

The good news is that termite colonies take three to five years to reach maturity and up to eight years before causing noticeable damage, so you have lots of time to find termites after they arrive. The bad news is that usually by the time termite damage is noticed, it is already extensive and costly.

Look for these signs of termite presence to prevent it from getting worse:

Hollow-sounding wood: Termites tend to eat wood from the inside out, preferring spring wood to harder summer fibers. This results in a honeycomb-like structure that leaves a hollow sound when knocked on.

Discarded wings and dropping: Flying termites lose their wings after finding a mate. This and other droppings can be a useful early warning sign of termites in your home.

Warped doors and window frames: As the wood gets eaten away, the structure weakens, and can lead to shape distortions in visible wood structures

Bubbling or peeling on painted walls: Painted walls can bubble or peel as the structure behind wears away

Mud tubes: As mentioned, subterranean termites are known for building mud tunnels. Mud tubes are typically about the width of a pencil and are one of the earliest signs of these pests.

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Are termites a problem in Idaho?

Termites are active throughout all of Idaho. According to the termite infestation probability zones (TIP zones) Idaho is located in zone #2 (moderate to heavy), meaning there is significant potential for termite damage.

There are four species of termites found in the United States:

Subterranean termites

The subterranean termite is the main species of concern in Idaho. They are known to cause significant damage to homes by eating the cellulose found in wood and other materials, like carpet.

Subterranean termites are unique because they live in underground colonies, and are known to build mud tubes to transport food into their colony. They swarm throughout the year but are more active during the day in spring and autumn, and especially on warm days after rainfall.

Dampwood termites

Dampwood termites can infest your home, but in Idaho, it is much less common than subterranean termite infestations. This is because dampwood termites require high moisture environments, not typically found in Idaho homes. Dampwood termites tend to swarm in spring, just before sunset.

Drywood termites

Drywood termites are not native to Idaho, so infestations are rare. It is possible, however, if the termites are present in imported wood products.

Key Takeaway The subterranean termite is what you should be most looking out for.

What to do if you have termites

If you do get termites in your home, the best way to get rid of them is to hire a professional exterminator. Exterminators have a few methods that they use to treat termite infestations;

Bait stations are the least invasive option. Bait stations are little plastic containers that are designed to attract and kill termites. This tactic is less invasive but also rather slow, typically requiring months to rid the infestation.

Fumigation is the best option for major infestations but is highly invasive. Fumigation requires encasing the entire home in a tent and applying a termiticide that will kill any termite inside. This is an effective method but requires you to leave your house for up to three days.

Pesticide barriers are the most common solution for subterranean termites. There are a number of chemical barriers available commercially as well if you want to try to apply them yourself. If you plan to do it yourself, make sure you understand the necessary precautions associated with the specific chemical.

MORE: Learn more about covering named and unnamed perils in home insurance.

How to prevent a termite infestation

The best way to manage a termite infestation is to prevent it from maturing in the first place.

There are a number of steps that you can take to help prevent a termite infestation, such as:

Maintaining a clean home; termites love dead leaves and open garbage

Monitoring your home and investing in regular inspections

Repairing cracks in the foundation

Caulking the exterior of your home

Removing any wood or vegetation that comes in contact with your house

Quickly repairing any rotting that you notice

Trying to eliminate any moisture around your home, especially near the foundation

Employing these measures will help to reduce the odds of an infestation in your home, but it will not guarantee that termites stay away.

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