The changing season brings about a sense of joy for most people with extended daylight hours, warmth, and an increased ability to play outside. However, before everyone starts partying, there is one pest that's determined to make itself known to Plano property owners.
This pest is none other than the termite. With the sheer amount of destruction they can cause property owners, the only solution is to inform people, which is the goal behind Termite Awareness Week. This week is the last full week before spring, just before the termites become more active. For this reason, it's important to understand how to get and remain prepared.
Evaluating Termite Swarms
Short of a crumbling building, a termite swarm is usually the first sign of a termite problem. These swarms occur during every mating season and are a signal that termite activity is about to pick up. As a rule, termite swarms mean one of two things. The first possibility is you're soon going to have a termite infestation, which means you can get ahead of the issue before it becomes a problem. The other possibility is that you've had a termite infestation for years, and you're just now noticing the problem.
The key to telling which possibility is more likely is to first observe the size of the swarm. The presence of many termites is a strong indicator you have a large termite problem. Second, it's time to bring out a professional pest control company trained in termite control to verify if you have a termite infestation and how severe the infestation has become.
Understanding The Signs Of Infestation
Besides termite swarms, there are other signs to watch out for when figuring out if you have a termite infestation in your home. Some potential warning signs include:
- Discarded Wings: These are found near windowsills and doors. Unless you see the swarm in action, this is often the only outwardly visible sign of a termite problem on the property.
- Wood Damage: Unfortunately, this sign means the problem is severe. This is because you're checking for hollow sounds in the wood since termites eat wood from the inside out. If the wood is hollow, immediate action is needed.
- Mud Tubes: Look for these tubes of mud near the foundation of your building when checking for termites. They use these when traveling between their colony and a food source.
- Cosmetic Damage: If the drywall is drooping or the paint is peeling, it may not be water damage. When this occurs, it could be termites. If you notice this sign with any other signs, it's time to bring in a professional to confirm the situation.
Termite Prevention With All-Safe Pest And Termite
Without a doubt, termites are the most destructive pests to hardly ever be seen. Unlike other destructive pests, it'll be a long time until you notice the problem. It's been known to take years before people became aware of this troublesome pest in the Plano area.
That's why our team at All-Safe Pest and Termite takes the possibility of a termite infestation seriously. As the largest Sentricon® operator in the western United States, All-Safe Pest & Termite is here to ensure your home remains protected from termite activity. It doesn't matter if you're just seeking to confirm a termite infestation or desire to implement a preventative program. Our team will help you every step of the way. We start with a phone call and subsequent inspection and then work our way through the process to ensure you end up termite-free when it's all said and done. Call us at All-Safe Pest and Termite today!