![living room with hardwood floors](https://www.prestige-floors.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/AdobeStock_220969673__1714618534_87305.jpg)
It’s the last thing you want to think about – bugs invading your home. Whether you live in the country or the middle of the city, having creepy crawlers moving in can cause you to constantly be on edge. Could it be that your hardwood floors are attracting them? If you want to minimize the chances of these bothersome pests making their way into your humble abode, keep reading to discover a few helpful tips.
Get Tough on Termites
Termites love wood, which means that your floors are at risk. These tiny creatures will polish off any wood surface, causing significant damage along the way. In fact, it is estimated that more than $5 billion in property damage can be attributed to termites.
Knowing whether they are present may not be something you notice right away; however, professionals share that if you discover buckling or unstable floors, you may have a pest problem that needs immediate attention.
There are a few methods you can use to rid your home of these pesky bugs, including:
- Pesticides that eliminate termites on contact or via smell.
- Poison bait that is put down outside so that it kills off the colony.
- Boric acid or diatomaceous earth
Take Action Against Ants
Attracted to old and/or wet wood, carpenter ants are large and can be found chewing through wood, not to eat it but only to damage it.
Their goal is to create small nests; however, this can be problematic if you want your hardwood floors to remain intact and damage-free.
Trying to get rid of these bugs requires the use of insecticides and bait, which can come in sprays, foams, or liquid concentrates.
As a homeowner, though, you should stay on top of any wet or dampened areas of your home, as this will make it easier for them to come in. Fixing leaks and cracks around the roof and foundation will decrease the chances of carpenter ants setting up shop underneath your beautiful floors.
Prevent an Invasion of Powder Post Beetles
Unlike carpenter ants and termites, powder post beetles may sound unfamiliar. These bothersome pests like to burrow into wood and lay their eggs. Over time, the larvae will feed on the wood, allowing them to grow and create small holes and a fine powdery dust.
The remnants they leave behind are the most obvious indicator that you have a problem. While trying to eradicate them can be harder than termites or carpenter ants, they are much easier to prevent if you use a wood sealant to properly protect your floors.
Don’t let these common bugs wreak havoc in your home. When preparing for a remodel or when buying a new home, talk to a professional about ways to prevent pests from ravaging your wood floors.
About Prestige Floors
Prestige Floors is a small, family-owned and operated business based in Keller. As a husband-and-wife team, Benson and Ashley Kelly have been improving and transforming the homes of Keller residents and its surrounding communities since 2006. With years of experience and an eye for design, their team is trusted and bonded, and they offer only the very best flooring for eager homeowners. If you are looking for ways to protect your hardwood floors, contact us at (817) 422-5343.