When Life After Bugs’ technicians treat homes for termite pest control, they are asked what customers ask some of the most frequent inquiries about termites, and they respond with the following statements: What are the signs of termites, and what can I do to eradicate termites from infesting my home? This blog is a comprehensive guide by Life After Bugs, a leading Houston Pest Control company, on 4 signs and 4 ways of preventing termite infestations.
4 Signs of Termite Infestation
Mud Tubes
Subterranean termites live underneath and forage for food, which is frequently a home building. Pencil-sized mud tubes can be discovered where the earth meets your house or any other potential food source, such as a tree or shed. This termite species requires specific humidity and temperature levels to flourish, and their tunnels assist in blocking out chilly, dry air, thereby transforming your house into a habitat where they may thrive.
Flying Termites or Swarmers
Swarmers are flying termites that have separated from their colony in order to locate mates and establish new colonies. Swarming occurs at specific periods of the year, and a swarm can contain hundreds or even thousands of flying termites. If you discover a swarm of flying termites on or near your property, termites have likely been there for several years.
Damaged or Hollowed Wood
Termite damage to wood can be observed beneath and behind surfaces such as walls and flooring. Termites chew your walls from the inside out, which makes them tough to detect. These tiny bugs hollow up wood studs within walls without exiting, making them sound hollow when tapped on. Termites gnaw into wood to get cellulose, leaving lengthy grooves behind. The grooves inside your walls may resemble a labyrinth or a honeycomb design. These grooves may weaken the timber and cause structural problems over time.
Blistering or Buckling Wood Flooring
Termites can be present if your wood flooring is sagging or has blister patches. Subterranean termites can destroy the subfloor, causing your wood flooring to appear discolored or wavy on the surface. Termites favor the softer subfloor wood or supports, so you may not detect their presence until significant surface damage occurs.
4 Ways to Avoid an Infestation.
- Regular Inspections. Conduct regular inspections of your home, paying special attention to locations where termites are likely to infiltrate, such as foundation cracks, wooden structures, and crawl spaces.
- Moisture Control. Termites are drawn to moist conditions. Address any moisture concerns as soon as possible to discourage them. Repair leaking pipes, ensure appropriate drainage around your property, and keep crawl spaces well-ventilated. By eliminating excess moisture, you make your property less appealing to termites.
- Wood Treatment. Consider termite-resistant treatments, such as borate-based treatments, for timber buildings in and around your house. These products make wood less appealing to termites, lowering the likelihood of infestations. Concentrate on places prone to termite damage, such as fences, decks, and wooden siding.
- Termite Barriers. Install chemical and physical termite barriers around the perimeter of your home. Physical barriers, such as metal screens or sand, create hurdles that termites cannot overcome, and chemical barriers, such as liquid termiticides, keep termites away from your home. These barriers give another layer of protection against termite invasion.
Choose Life After Bugs: Your Trusted Partner for Comprehensive Houston Pest Control Services
Don’t let pests disrupt your peace of mind. Life After Bugs, Houston’s leading Pest Control company, is here to defend your house. Our professional crew handles a wide range of pests, from termites to mosquitoes and fleas to rats. Trust in our experience, open pricing, and dedication to your satisfaction. Call us now for a free consultation and inspection. Allow us to protect your house from intruders, guaranteeing that it stays a safe haven. Choose Life After Bugs, where we prioritize your comfort and pest-free life.
