Because the climate is so agreeable, Houston is no stranger to dealing with insects and rodents setting up shop in their home. When it comes to pests in your Houston home, however, termites might just be the worst to deal with. Termites can be dangerous to your home because they can go undetected for months or even years if you're not paying attention. Getting regular termite inspections is a task every homeowner should make a priority.
If you're dealing with termites in your home and you're not sure what to do, keep reading. In this blog, we explore termite warning signs, the damage they can cause to your home, and how to get rid of them safely and effectively with pest control in Houston.
Flying Termites Could Be The First Warning Sign
When it comes to termites, it can be quite difficult to know they're around compared to other pests. Though they live in very large colonies, individually, they're only about 1/2 an inch to an inch long. They also burrow themselves in wood, making it nearly impossible to detect them.
However, there are some significant signs of termites in your home to look out for. First of all, discovering flying termites in your home could be the first warning sign. Termites often travel in swarms when looking for new places to set up their colonies and sometimes target the wooden structures of your home. Finding termite swarms or shed termite wings is a sure sign you have a termite problem.
You may also discover "termite frass," which is essentially their feces. Termite frass strongly resembles sawdust and can be found in piles on windowsills or wood beams they may be infesting.
Finally, the appearance of small, round holes in wood is another sure indicator of a termite infestation.
The Extent Of Structural Damage Termites Can Create To Your Home
The problem with termites is that they work together to destroy wood structures rather than individually. On their own, a single termite works very slowly, eating through the wood slowly. However, when you get a colony of termites working together, certain wooden structures can be destroyed in as little as a few months.
In order for an entire home to be destroyed by termites, they would have to go undetected for at least a year or two. Being aware of any evidence of termite damage can be crucial to detecting a problem early on.
Do-It-Yourself Termite Control Is A Waste Of Time And Money
There are plenty of DIY methods on the internet when it comes to getting rid of termites. There are also certain solutions you can purchase at your normal hardware store. In truth, these methods often end up being a complete waste of time and money.
In order to get rid of termites effectively, you have to start with preventative measures to ensure they won't come back. These include:
- Repairing leaky faucets or pipes.
- Removing any wood that is directly in contact with soil.
- Ensuring you have proper ventilation.
- Sealing any cracks or crevices around the foundation of your home.
Beyond preventative measures, DIY methods provide little help.
How Do I Get Rid Of Termites In My Home?
The best way to get rid of termites in your Houston home is to hire a termite control specialist near you, like All-Safe Pest & Termite - Houston. Here at All-Safe, we've dealt with hundreds of termite problems and truly understand how they work and how to get rid of them safely and effectively. Don't waste your money and time on DIY solutions that don't even touch the surface: call us today.