Imagine this: you’ve scheduled a general house cleaning, but suddenly have come across a pile of sawdust near wooden areas or structures. This might be because of termites!
Termite infestation is a silent destroyer, often goes unnoticed until significant damage is done. In fact, according to the National Pest Management Association, in the United States alone, termites can cause an estimated $5 billion dollars in property damage each year. This reality underscores the need for effective termite prevention strategies.
This article will discuss how to prevent termite damage in your property, elaborating on the proven and tested strategies to achieving a pest-free home.
Understanding Termites
Looking at a single termite, one might not consider it dangerous, but a whole colony of them says otherwise – they can inflict serious damage to your property.
As a matter of fact, termites are a heterogenous group classified into different types, and arranged in a structured hierarchy, like the monarchs.
Here’s a closer look at the five main types of termites:
Subterranean termites are known as the “most destructive” types and are found in every state except Alaska. They exhibit typical termite behaviors, as they live in soil or moist secluded areas above ground. These termite types build distinctive mud tubes to provide moisture and protect them from the open air while they travel between their colony and food sources.
Formosan termites, the most voracious, aggressive, and devious species from the group, are originally from China but have since then invaded the Western and Southern parts of the United States. They are frankly dubbed “super termites” due to their ability to quickly consume wood like flash. They do this by building mud nests inside the walls of a structure.
Drywood termites, mostly found in the southern tier states, from North Carolina to the Gulf Coast, are the complete opposite of their Subterranean and Formosan counterparts. This is because they do not require contact with the soil to obtain food. They mostly build nests on any “dry” wood material around the home, such as attic framings or furniture.
Dampwood termites, as the name suggests, infest wood with a high moisture content. In simple terms, they prefer moist and decaying wood, often found in logs, stumps, and dead trees, as their main food sources. For this reason, this species is commonly situated in the desert or semi-arid southwest areas, such as the Pacific Coastal and adjacent states.
Conewood termites are the invasive species native to the Carribean but are now found in parts of Florida. They were originally called “tree termites” but were renamed “conehead termites” to alleviate the misconception that they can only be found in trees.
Such species are termed “aggressive foragers” since they do not require mud tubes but forage on the ground like ants, to obtain food. This allows them to spread quickly and cause significant damage in a short span of time.
Subterranean termites are known as the “most destructive” types and are found in every state except Alaska. They exhibit typical termite behaviors, as they live in soil or moist secluded areas above ground. These termite types build distinctive mud tubes to provide moisture and protect them from the open air while they travel between their colony and food sources.
Formosan termites, the most voracious, aggressive, and devious species from the group, are originally from China but have since then invaded the Western and Southern parts of the United States. They are frankly dubbed “super termites” due to their ability to quickly consume wood like flash. They do this by building mud nests inside the walls of a structure.
Drywood termites, mostly found in the southern tier states, from North Carolina to the Gulf Coast, are the complete opposite of their Subterranean and Formosan counterparts. This is because they do not require contact with the soil to obtain food. They mostly build nests on any “dry” wood material around the home, such as attic framings or furniture.
Dampwood termites, as the name suggests, infest wood with a high moisture content. In simple terms, they prefer moist and decaying wood, often found in logs, stumps, and dead trees, as their main food sources. For this reason, this species is commonly situated in the desert or semi-arid southwest areas, such as the Pacific Coastal and adjacent states.
Conewood termites are the invasive species native to the Carribean but are now found in parts of Florida. They were originally called “tree termites” but were renamed “conehead termites” to alleviate the misconception that they can only be found in trees.
Such species are termed “aggressive foragers” since they do not require mud tubes but forage on the ground like ants, to obtain food. This allows them to spread quickly and cause significant damage in a short span of time.
From the discussion above, you will notice how similar each termite species is to each other despite their distinct habitat and characteristics, and that is the type of environment they are most attracted to. Termites thrive in areas that provide a combination of moisture, food (primarily wood and cellulose-based materials), and shelter.
Identifying Termite Damage
Early detection of termite activity is vital in preventing severe damage to your property. However, it’s not always possible for untrained individuals to see evidence of termites.
So, we’ve curated a list of the common signs of termite damage. This way, you can effectively identify early and take timely action. These indications include:
Subterranean termites create mud tubes for travel between their soil-based colonies and food sources. These pencil-sized tubes can often be found on exterior walls, foundations, or in crawl spaces.
Termites consume wood from the inside out, leaving a thin veneer of timber or paint. When you tap infested wood, it may sound hollow, and areas may feel softer to the touch.
Drywood termites leave behind frass, their wood-colored droppings. Finding small piles of what looks like sawdust can be an indicator of drywood termite presence.
Reproductive termites, or swarmers, shed their wings after finding a new place to establish a colony. Finding discarded wings inside your home can be a sign of infestation.
Termites can cause damage that resembles water damage in wooden flooring. If your floors have unexplained blistering or feel spongy, it might be worth inspecting for termites.
While this can also be due to moisture issues, cracked or bubbling paint on wood surfaces can sometimes indicate termite activity beneath the surface.
Gently tap on suspect areas using a screwdriver or similar tool. Termites leave a thin layer of wood intact, so damaged wood will sound hollow.
Swelling caused by termites can make doors and windows difficult to open or close, a subtle sign of termite damage.
Regular termite inspection by professionals like Emtec Pest Control can help in early detection and prevention of termite damage. They have the expertise to identify subtle signs of infestations and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Preventive Measures
Termites are tough to deal with, especially when left untreated. It is true to say that preventing termite infestations is far more manageable and cost-effective than treating them after they have occurred. Here are the proactive steps you can take to deter termites and protect your properties:
By implementing these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of termite infestations. It's about creating an environment that's less attractive to termites and more about safeguarding your home.
Professional Treatments
DIY measures are helpful for the prevention and control of termite infestations. However, when it comes to treating an existing invasion, professional intervention is necessary. Established pest-control companies like Emtec Pest Control offer a range of termite treatment solutions, tailored to effectively address and manage such attack:
The first step in professional termite treatment is a thorough inspection of the property. Experts from Emtec Pest Control assess the extent of the infestation and identify the specific termite species involved.
Every property is unique, and so are its termite challenges. Emtec Pest Control offers customized treatment plans based on the property's specific needs and the severity of the infestation.
Emtec Pest Control utilizes the Sentricon® System, an advanced baiting system that targets the termite colony itself. This environmentally friendly solution effectively eliminates the queen and her colony without extensive use of chemicals.
After treatment, continuous monitoring is essential to ensure the infestation is completely resolved. Regular follow-ups help in early detection and prevention of future infestations.
Cost and Maintenance
One of the biggest factors why most homeowners hold back in availing the services of professional pest control companies is the financial implications that come with the services. But we can’t blame you for having doubts! Just like you, we also have a few concerns that are often overlooked by many.
How much do these professional services cost? Is it worth it? What if I paid such a huge amount for a particular service but it failed to solve the infestations at my house?
Here’s the deal: At Emtec Pest Control, we understand these concerns and have structured our services to offer both affordability and effectiveness. We believe in transparency, ensuring that you know exactly what you are paying for and why. Our costs are competitive and reflect the quality and thoroughness of our services.
Yes, the cost of termite damage assistance is a significant factor in the decision-making process, but the value that professional control services can offer is indisputable. It provides peace of mind with effective, affordable, and reliable termite management solutions.
At Emtec Pest Control, we are committed to safe and responsible pest control. We understand that your family’s safety is your number one priority, so we make it our priority, too.
If you have any other questions about any of these pests or pest control for your home or business, contact your Oklahoma pest control experts at Emtec Pest Control by calling us or by filling out our online contact form.