Every Tennessee homeowner should be able to identify a termite infestation and know the steps to take to eliminate it. Check out this guide, created by

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, to learn everything you need to know about termites in Tennessee.

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How to tell if you have a termite infestation

A termite infestation in your home isn’t always obvious. That means they could be destroying your house while you’re not even aware of it!

It’s important to know how to spot a termite infestation so you can take the proper steps to protect your home. Here are a few key warning signs that indicate you’ve got termites:

Discarded wings: Breeding termites have wings. If you find wings around your house—specifically on and around window sills—that’s a good indication that you’re dealing with termites.

Mud tubes: Subterranean termites enter the home through thin mud tunnels. Discovering these tunnels around the house’s foundation is an indication you may have termites.

Hollow-sounding walls: If your walls or other wooden fixtures sound hollow, this may be a sign they’ve been damaged by termites.

Droppings: If you find what looks like little piles of sawdust around your house, this may be frass (termite droppings).

Other indicators of a termite infestation include swollen walls, holes in the drywall, and peeling paint.

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Are termites a problem in Tennessee?

According to the US Forest Service’s map of

Termite Infestation Probability Zones

, Tennessee can be moderate to heavily affected by termites. That means you should be vigilant, as plenty of Tennessee homeowners deal with termites every year.

Here are the types of termites you’re likely to encounter in Tennessee.

Subterranean termites

These are the most destructive form of termite and the type of termite you’re most likely to find in Tennessee. Subterranean termites create elaborate underground tunnels and can come up through your house’s foundation. This makes them harder to find and identify.

They swarm in the daylight hours from October to June.

Formosan termites

The most destructive version of subterranean termites, these so-called ‘super-termites’ can devastate your home. While subterranean termites must leave your home to get moisture from the soil, Formosan termites can bring moisture directly to their nests, allowing them to more efficiently destroy your home.

While not often seen in Tennessee, there have been recorded incidences of Formosan termites in the past.

Dampwood termites

As the name suggests, these termites prefer wet or decaying wood. While they can sometimes terrorize the home, they’re more likely to be found outside, either in rotting logs or moist woodpiles.

Dampwood termites are known to swarm at night, all year long.

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What to do if you have termites

If you’ve identified a termite issue in your home, you should deal with it as soon as possible.

Here are a few different ways you can handle a termite infestation:

Bait stations: This is the least invasive option, but also the least efficient. An exterminator will leave plastic containers around the exterior of your house to draw in and kill termites. While your day-to-day life won’t be impacted, this could take months to get rid of your termites.

Liquid pesticide barrier: An exterminator will build a moat around your house and gill it with termiticide. This will kill any termites who try and cross it.

Fumigation: The most effective (and also most intrusive) method. Your house will be tented and noxious gasses will be pumped inside, killing all termites. You, your family, and any pets will need to leave the house for a day or more.

How to save money on homeowners insurance

Unfortunately, a termite infestation (along with most pest or animal damage) is usually not covered by homeowners insurance. Homeowners insurance is for sudden, unexpected perils—insurance companies don’t think termites fit the bill.

The best way to avoid huge costs on termite damage is to be vigilant and be proactive if you find termites.

While it won’t help with termites, there’s a wide range of damages that a good

home insurance

policy will cover. You should ensure you’ve got the best possible insurance policy at the lowest possible price by downloading the Jerry app.

Jerry

is a licensed insurance broker designed to simplify insurance shopping. One quick, free sign-up will give you access to everything you need—that includes competitive quotes, personalized recommendations, and help with your sign-up paperwork!

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