At EnviroGuard, our Waco termite control experts have seen termites take down complete homes and properties. We understand that early detection is the key. And in Waco, Texas, homeowners must remain vigilant all year long to protect their homes from these destructive insects.
How To Identify Termites: Types, Behaviors, And Warning Signs
Most termites never come out in the open; instead, they stay hidden inside the wooden surfaces they are consuming or use other objects found in nature to keep out of sight.
Subterranean termites are one of the most common termites in this area. These termites are delicate and cannot handle direct sunlight for more than a few minutes. These little creatures will build long, thin mud tubes that usually begin at their underground nest and extend to their food source to stay safe and moist. If you see these mud tubes stuck to the exterior walls of your home, you should have them looked at by a professional termite inspector as soon as possible.
Other signs you might have termites on your property include:
- Noticing hollow wooden surfaces around your property.
- Seeing small holes in the drywall and other areas of your house.
- Noticing sawdust-like material near baseboards and other wooden surfaces.
Reproductive termites, also known as alates, are the only termites in a colony that can see and have wings. During “swarming season,” which usually takes place during early spring, these flying termites will leave their nests to go and look for a mate and start a colony of their own. They will lose their wings when they are ready to build their nests.
If you see these flying termites or find their discarded wings, you should call a pest control company right away that offers termite control near you.
Devastating Effects: Understanding The Potential Damage Of Termites
It usually takes several months or years before the damage termites cause becomes severe. However, because these silent invaders can go undetected for a long period of time, it could take months or years before you know they are there.
At first, you might only notice minor cosmetic damage. You could find small pinholes in various parts of your house. Eventually, the termite damage could cause moisture buildup in your house, and you could begin to notice your doors or windows sticking. After the termites have been in your home for about a year, you could start to see more severe damage to your furniture and home and may even experience structural damage to your house.
Calling a termite control expert at the first sign of a termite infestation is extremely important.
The Pitfalls Of DIY Termite Control: What Homeowners Should Know
Do-it-yourself termite control might seem like the easier and more cost-effective solution. However, many homeowners end up spending much more money when they choose to go the DIY route. Getting rid of a termite infestation takes time. Each termite colony can have over a million termites living together. If you don't know what you are doing, you could worsen the problem by eliminating only a few termites and leaving the rest of the colony unharmed and able to reproduce.
Professional termite control is the most effective and cost-efficient way to get rid of any size infestation.
Don’t Wait To Act: Contact Us At The First Sign Of Termites
Keep termites from taking over your home. Give our professional Waco termite exterminators at EnviroGuard a call today. We can keep your home safe from these destructive pests.