ermites are some of the most infamous pests in the world. They are widespread and cause extensive damage, which gives them this reputation. Termites feed on wood in walls and furniture, sometimes causing thousands of dollars in damage to Dallas homes. Termites often go unnoticed due to their small size and concealed activity. This gives them the ability to wreak havoc on your home without you knowing it. Knowing how to identify, remove, and prevent termites is important in making sure your Dallas home is termite-free.
Hidden Pests
Just because you don’t see termites, doesn’t mean that they aren’t in your home. Termites stay out of sight, which can mislead people to think that they don’t have a problem with termites. If you do end up spotting a termite, it’s probably a swarmer. Swarmers are responsible for the reproduction and growth of termite colonies. They leave a mature nest and search for suitable locations to start new colonies. These swarmers generally only come out once at some point from spring to late summer or early fall and only stay above ground for about half an hour. Termite workers are occasionally spotted, especially if renovations are being done in the home. They’re sometimes referred to as white ants due to their appearance. Being able to spot and identify termites is a great first step in getting rid of them.
Termite Identifiers
You should be proactive in hunting for termites, as the faster you find them, the quicker you can minimize their damage. Searching for termite identifiers can help, as if you find any of these, it almost certainly means that you have termites. Look for mud tubes, which are small structures made of wood and soil, usually built on the foundations of homes that have a termite infestation. Also, keep an eye out for frass or fine powdery refuse. These are basically termite droppings. You can check your walls and wooden furniture by seeing if they sound hollow. If they do, it can mean that there are holes or spaces created by termites on the inside. Finding termites early can save you from the headache of costly repairs.
Preventing Termites
There are many ways that you can decrease the risk of termite infestation by making your home less attractive to termites. Termites are moisture-seeking bugs, meaning that they like damp, dark spaces, and will often be found there. If you have vents to your basement or garage, you should make sure there are no blockages, so air keeps flowing and preventing moisture. You can also check the pipes inside your home to see if there are any leaks that need sealing. Make sure water such as rainwater or air conditioning overflows drain away from the house, preventing a buildup of moisture just outside your home. Making your home less attractive to termites is a great way to make sure they don’t come in.
Professional Help
Despite trying preventative home methods for reducing the risk of termites, none are 100% effective. If termite activity is detected, don’t waste time attempting to get rid of the infestation on your own. The best thing you can do in the case of a suspected termite infestation is to contact the professionals at Romney Pest control immediately. At Romney, we offer free termite inspections. We can work with you to protect your Dallas home from termites or offer solutions for remediation if we discover a termite infestation.
