While there are some pests in your Dallas home that aren’t a huge concern because they don’t harm humans or cause property damage, termites aren’t one of these. Termites are one of the most destructive pests as they can severely destroy property including flooring, beams, furniture, and more.
Termites are also a concern because they can do damage for a long time before you even notice they are there. While it does take time for termites to eat through wood, they are often in homes for months or even years before owners realize what’s going on. By this point, it can end up costing thousands of dollars in repairs to fix the damage termites have done.
It’s important to be proactive about looking out for signs of termite activity. While it’s often difficult to catch a glimpse of termites, you might see them, especially during the spring and summer months. Here is what termites look like:
- The workers are cream or off-white in color but are swarmers are dark brown or black.
- Termite swarmers have translucent wings.
- They have antennae and six legs.
- They have long, oval-shaped bodies.
- Their bodies have a ribbed appearance.
What Are The Signs Of A Termite Infestation?
Termites can do a great deal of damage to your home silently, and you might never see them. So, it's essential to know the signs of an infestation. Often, signs are the first way you will notice or suspect that you have termites. Here are some of the most common signs of a termite infestation:
- Soft clicking noises coming from inside walls.
- Doors and windows that are tight-fitting.
- Drywall that is discolored
- Paint that is peeling and looks like water damage
- Floors that are buckling or squeaky
- Wood that sounds hollow
- Small holes in the drywall of your home
- Discarded swarmer wings
Tips For Preventing Termites
Because termites are such disruptive and destructive pests, knowing how to prevent them is important and can go a long way in protecting your home. While prevention steps can’t always completely keep termites out of your Dallas home, they can reduce the likelihood. The best way to approach preventing termites is by making your home less attractive to them. Here are some ways to do this:
- Limit soil-to-wood contact in your home and home’s foundation.
- Get rid of wood that has moisture damage.
- Store firewood away from the exterior of your home.
- Clean up organic matter, especially decaying matter, from your property.
- Make sure your basement and crawl space have good ventilation and use dehumidifiers if needed.
- Repair leaky pipes and faucets to reduce moisture content.
- Get prevention help from the professionals.
How To Protect Your Home From Termites
If you suspect you could have termites and have noticed signs of them, it’s important to contact the pest control professionals at All-Safe Pest & Termite right away. If you catch an infestation soon enough, we can effectively and safely get rid of termites before they cause too much damage and cost you a lot of money. We are a family-owned and operated business, and you can trust our customer service and over 30 years of experience. Give us a call today to learn more.