The Secret To Effective Termite Protection For Your Houston Property
As a Houston property owner, there is a lot you need to worry about. Whether it's hurricanes or damage from the humidity, there’s no shortage of things that pose threats to your property. Unfortunately, not every threat is as apparent as a hurricane. Take termites for instance. They could be causing damage to the structural wood of your home right now, and you might not even know it. That is unless you are familiar with the signs of a termite infestation. When it comes to termites, knowing what to look for can save you a lot of money and frustration in the long run. Better yet, being proactive about termite prevention is the best way to make sure you don’t suffer any costly damage from these wood-eating pests.
Identifying Termites
Termites often get confused with ants. They are yellow or brown in color, have six legs, antennae, and mandibles which they use for chewing through wood and other cellulose materials. Additionally, termite swarmers have wings. Swarmers are part of the reproductive caste of a termite colony. During a termite swarm, these winged-termites will set out to create new colonies. If you spot a swarmer or it’s shed wings somewhere in your home, it could be because there is an infestation nearby.
Unfortunately, unless there is a swarm, it is unlikely that you will ever see a termite in your home. That is because they remain within the wood they are eating or their colony, and they can usually travel between the two without ever exposing themselves. As such, you need to be able to spot the signs of a termite infestation.
Signs Of A Termite Infestation
As stated, seeing a swarmer or its shed wings could be a sign that you have a termite infestation in your home. Other signs of termite infestations include:
- Hollow sounding wood in your walls or floors.
- Tight-fitting windows and doors.
- Floors that creak excessively when you walk on them.
- Small holes in wood or drywall.
- Mud tubes in the soil or walls around your home.
- Peeling paint that looks like it is water damaged.
If you notice any of these signs, call the professionals here at TNT Home & Commercial Services right away.
What Attracts Termites To Properties
Rather than wait to spot the signs of termites, it is better to know what attracts termites to your property in the first place. That way you can take the proper preventative measures. For instance, any wood in your home that is moisture-damaged or decaying could attract termites into your home. Additionally, subterranean termites will enter homes from the soil. Therefore, you should add a gravel barrier around any wood that is currently coming into contact with the soil around your home. Moreover, filling in any cracks in the foundation of your home can help to keep subterranean termites out.
Drywood termites, rather than enter through the soil, usually get into our homes because we bring in an infested piece of wood. Therefore, if you buy any antiques, second-hand wooden furniture, or other wooden objects, be sure to inspect them for termites before bringing them into your home.
What To Do If Termites Infest Your Property
If you do find yourself dealing with a termite infestation in Houston, your best bet is to call the professionals here at TNT Home & Commercial Services. We have the required experience and expertise needed to effectively eliminate any current termite infestation. Additionally, we will work with you to take the proper steps to prevent future infestations. Don’t let termites be another thing you have to worry about. Give us a call today to learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control services.