One of the most terrifying pest infestations to fall victim to in any home is a termite infestation, solely because of how much damage they can inflict in a very short amount of time. Termites cause billions of dollars worth of damage each year in the United States, which means effective termite control is imperative if you have a termite problem in your Huntsville home. Drywood termites aren't as common as their subterranean cousins, but they can be just as detrimental to your property, so it's important to know the signs of termites in your home and the best way to get rid of them.
How To Identify Drywood Termites In Your Huntsville Home
Drywood termites have three different appearances, depending on their job description – worker termites, soldier termites, and reproductive termites. Worker termites are 1/8 to 3/8 of an inch long and cream-colored, and soldier termites are the same length as worker termites, yet slightly more tan in color with large mandibles. Reproductive termites are roughly ½ of an inch long, dark brown to black in color, and have two pairs of uniform-sized translucent wings. It's highly unlikely you'll actually see them in the event of an infestation, though.
These pests are some of the most reclusive insects that infest homes, so the most reliable way to identify a termite problem in your Huntsville home is by the evidence they leave behind. It is possible to discover active termites on your property before they get a proper foothold, but the majority of the signs you'll find for termites in your home directly correlate to the damage they're causing:
- Shed wings around door frames, window frames, and the foundation of your home
- Pinholes in your walls and wooden fixtures
- Small piles of sawdust-like material, also known as frass, directly outside of an exit hole
- Smooth maze-like patterns in wooden fixtures
- Discolored, drooping drywall
- Peeling paint and wallpaper
- Hollow-sounding wood when tapped
- Dry, crumbling wood
- Overly squeaky floorboards
- Swollen door and window frames
Why Drywood Termites Are Such Dangerous Pests For Your Huntsville Home
These may not terribly extreme, but active termites in your Huntsville home can trigger asthma attacks and worsened allergic reactions to sawdust and particulates. These aren't the most pressing dangers, though, as the worst dangers they pose to your home deal with structural damage:
- Weakened support beams
- Damaged floorboards
- Crumbling drywall
- Weakened framework
- Damaged roof and ceiling
- Potential for moisture damage from termite activity
The Best Way To Exterminate Termites In Huntsville
It's understandable to feel overwhelmed when dealing with termites in your Huntsville home, but you don't have to deal with it alone. DIY termite control can be dangerous to your home and health, and it's never an effective solution to an infestation. The best way to get rid of termites in your Huntsville home is with professional help, and there's no better company for the job than EnviroGuard.
Our pest control experts pride themselves on their thorough inspections, effective treatments, and attention to detail. It takes a trained eye to catch the root of termite infestations, and our pest experts have trained extensively for the services they provide. We use the highest quality environmentally-friendly pest control products and equipment available on the market, we'll never cut corners or try to rush through a job, and we always make sure our customers are completely satisfied with our services. You deserve a home where you can relax and feel safe, and a home with termites won't provide that for you. So get in contact with us today for more information on how we can help.