If you are a Houston property owner, you are probably already aware of termites, but how much do you know about them? You may inspect for them before you purchase a home, but termites are often forgotten, which is why they become a huge problem. Unless you are purposely checking for this pest, you are not likely to see the insects themselves because of their nesting habits.
The most common type of termite in the United States is subterranean termites, which need to have contact with moist soil to survive. Termites will range between 1/8 to an inch long and vary in color from black, to brown, and white. This species nests underground and uses mud tubes to travel back and forth from its nest to the food source. However, there are also dry wood termites that nest inside the food source.
As a Houston property owner, you should know that a termite infestation can happen right under your nose. You can stop termite damage by preventing and removing termites with effectiveness, thanks to professional knowledge.
How To Identify Termite Damage
If left untreated, termites can cause significant damage to the structure of a house. This can leave residents vulnerable to the dangers of weakened foundations, walls, ceilings, and floors. So while termites are not a direct health hazard to people, the damage they cause can be.
Depending on the species, termite damage can look a little different. For example, subterranean termite damage may appear as buckling floors and swollen ceilings, whereas dry wood termite damage may appear as hard-to-close open windows and doors, and wood may sound hollow if you tap on it.
More identifiers of termite damage include:
- Galleries, which are rough maze-like holes and patterns in wood
- Crumbling wood
- Pinpoint holes in drywall
- Loose or squeaking floorboards
Termite infestations often coincide with water damage, which is why an infestation can often show itself in similar ways, such as drooping wallpaper and peeling paint, and can even be mistaken for each other.
How To Prevent Termites
While it is easy to feel defenseless against a pest known as a “silent destroyer,” it is essential to use prevention tips on your property to reduce the possibility of an infestation. The information listed below is easy to utilize and will help to make your home less conducive to the needs of termites:
- Address Moisture Issues: Fix leaks, use dehumidifiers, clear gutters, use rocks between the foundation and soil, and repair anything damaged by water.
- Remove Debris: Keep your yard clear of excess foliage, leaf piles, woodpiles, and other decomposing organic material.
- Remove Entry Points: Seal cracks in the foundation and exterior walls.
- Annual Termite Inspections: This is the best way to keep termites away!
You should only adhere to these tips if there are no signs of an active infestation. If there are signs, you should contact experts for assistance.
How To Get Rid Of Termites
If you see signs of termite damage or want to schedule an inspection, contact the All-Safe Pest & Termite professionals. We offer termite protection for Houston properties, including an initial inspection service and liquid spot treatment if there is an active infestation. We will also apply foam to the interior walls near the plumbing. From there, with the help of one of our experts, you can choose between recurring treatments, one-time treatments, and pre-construction treatments.
No matter the size and severity of your termite infestation All-Safe Pest & Termite has your back. Give us a call today to learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control services and how you can get started.