Termites can cause significant damage to a building. These pests typically live in soil and feast on wood, making them difficult to spot before causing damage to a structure. Knowing the signs of a termite infestation will allow you to call pest control in Houston before a termite problem gets out of control.
To keep termites out of your home, you need to know how to determine if you have termites, the damage they cause, and how to prevent them. Keep reading to learn if termites are on your property and how to keep them away.
How Do I Know If My Home Has Termites?
Different kinds of termites make up a colony, all with specific roles. Workers are usually a whitish color and 1/4 of an inch long. These are the termites that consume wood. The soldiers are bigger than workers and offer protection with their protruding jaws. Swarmers procreate and form new nests. They tend to be brown or black and about half an inch long.
Termites typically live in soil, so it can be hard to tell if they're nearby. However, knowing the signs of termites inside your house can help you discover their existence. Some of the common indications of a termite infestation include the following:
- Swarmers: Colonies produce swarmers, winged adults that fly away from the colony.
- Mud shelter tubes: Termites use mud tubes to connect their colony to food sources. You can find these tubes traveling up the foundation of a building.
- Building damage: Issues like a sagging floor or roof could be due to a termite infestation.
If the indicating factor is structural damage, you might need professional help. All-Safe Pest & Termite will help you find these dangerous pests before they cause too much trouble.
How Much Damage Can Termites Do To My Property?
The common understanding is that termites damage wood. While this is true, they feed on objects that contain cellulose, which is the main component of wood. As a result, termites will feast on wood paneling, paper products, cardboard boxes, art canvases, carpeting, and similar materials. Additionally, they might tunnel through non-cellulosic materials like plastic or foam to get to their destination.
The most common type of termite in the Houston area is the Formosan termite. These pests are the most aggressive and destructive, causing structural damage to a building in as little as six months. Termites also chew through electric and telephone insulation coverings, causing damage and power outages.
Can I Prevent Termites On My Property?
Termites can be difficult to spot and can cause significant damage to a structure. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent them from entering your home. Some of the prevention tips to keep termites from invading your home include:
- Divert water away from your home's foundation.
- Repair leaks in pipes, faucets, and air conditioning units.
- Ventilate crawl spaces, basements, and attics.
- Stack wood at least 20 feet from the building.
- Keep room between soil and wood.
- Seal any potential swarmer entry points.
These steps will help to keep termites out of your home, but some might still find a way to enter. Pest control experts have multiple termite treatments that can keep termites out.
Call The Professionals At The First Sign Of Termites In Your Home
Whether you've suffered a termite infestation or are looking to avoid one, the professionals at All-Safe Pest & Termite can help. Our technicians can perform liquid spot treatments, Termidor SC, and Termidor foam for termite removal. We offer one-time and recurring treatments every four months. Call us today if you need Houston pest control to deal with termites.