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How to prevent your home from being eaten alive by termites
Imagine walking into your home one day to find that nearly everything inside has been destroyed by little creatures the size of ants...and that you’ve never even noticed them! Though these tiny creatures are known as termites, you wouldn’t be able to spot them with the naked eye. It’s only when the damage becomes evident that we realize we have a problem on our hands. If you want to prevent termite problems from invading your home, you need to take action now, rather than waiting until it’s too late!
Understanding Termites
Termites are social insects that survive on dead plant material and are usually considered pests because they damage timber structures. Formosan subterranean termite swarmers were first identified in Texas in 2002. The Formosan subterranean termite is currently listed as a special concern species under Texas Parks and Wildlife Department regulation. These aggressive, non-native termites can infest homes, causing thousands of dollars in damage each year. To reduce or eliminate Formosan subterranean termite swarms, homeowners should consider hiring a professional pest control company. Homeowners need to understand what these swarms look like so they can identify them early and take appropriate action before too much damage has been done.
Recognizing The Signs Of A Termite Infestation
When it comes to termite control, prevention is always better than cure. By being vigilant and looking out for signs of a potential problem, you can often avert disaster before it starts. However, if you notice any of these common signs of an infestation in your own home, contact a pest control specialist right away. They’ll be able to help eliminate any risks and treat termites. If left untreated, a small colony could quickly grow into something much bigger. Here are some tell-tale signs that your house might have a problem:
Spongy woodwork around windows or doors;
Sagging wooden floors;
Small piles of sawdust on window sills or beneath furniture;
Tunnels made by wood-boring insects underneath window sills or door frames;
Mud tubes behind exterior walls or under front steps; Rotting floorboards inside kitchens or bathrooms.
Minimizing Damage From An Infestation
If you’ve got an infestation in your home, there are a few things you can do. You can call an exterminator. If you can’t afford one or just don’t like their service, it doesn’t hurt to call and ask for some advice on where to start. Another option is to try and do it yourself—after all, termites aren’t that different from ants and other pests. As long as you keep your eyes open for signs of a larger problem, you might be able to get rid of them yourself. And finally, if all else fails, there are products like Termidor which are sold online as well as in stores around the country.
Getting Rid Of Termites Completely
Most people think that if they can just get rid of their termite infestation, they'll be fine. Unfortunately, nothing could be further from the truth. Termites eat at a rate that is impossible for even professional exterminators to fully keep up with; therefore, to prevent them from coming back, homeowners need to make sure that they're preventing a second infestation. The easiest way to do so is by practicing integrated pest management (IPM). To use IPM on your property, you'll want to choose environmentally-friendly products such as orange oil and diatomaceous earth for ongoing control of pests such as ants and other insects.
Protecting Your Home From Future Attacks
If you have an active problem with termites in your home, controlling it will be a challenge. But preventing new infestations is relatively easy. Like many pests, dry wood termites are drawn to moisture, so sealing cracks and gaps with caulk or using foam gaskets around windows and doors can help keep them out. When choosing materials for building or remodeling projects, opt for wood that's been treated to resist pests; check local regulations on whether you need a permit before treating wood yourself. This will also help control any current infestation and prevent future ones.