Dallas Homeowners' Complete Guide To Total Termite Control

Do termites bite? Can you hear termites in the walls? Here's what Dallas homeowners should know about the role termites play in the ecosystem, how they infest and destroy wood, how to prevent termites, and the most effective form of termite and pest control in Dallas.

The Role Termites Play In Our Ecosystem

With soft bodies and straight antennae, termites may get their nickname "Silent Destroyers" from the way they cause structural damage undetected. Still, these pests aren't just destructive – they're also beneficial to the environment. Termites help out our ecosystems in a couple of different ways:

First, they're huge soil engineers. Termites dig tiny holes into the soil, allowing rainwater to seep through whenever it rains and preventing soil erosion. They're also essential for plant life. In forests and woods, termites enable new plants to grow by feeding on dead leaves and trees and creating space for new life.

Besides benefiting the environment, termites are also a delicacy in certain parts of the world – head to cities in Asia or Africa, and you may find termites on the menu. Still, while many termites may do wonders for the ecosystem or look great on a plate, that doesn't mean you want them in your home.

How Termites Infest & Destroy Wooden Structures

Termites might be tiny in size, but the damage they can cause in your Dallas home is great. On average, homeowners who discover a termite infestation spend around $3,000 or more trying to repair the damage caused.

The amount of damage caused by termites can vary based on a couple of factors – the type of termite, how big the colony is, and how quickly the infestation is caught. Generally, a small colony of termites can eat a single foot of a 2x4 wooden beam within five to six months. Larger colonies of termites, which can grow into the millions, are capable of eating up to a pound of wood per day. 

Unfortunately, termite infestations and the damage they cause may go unnoticed for up to eight years because the signs are so subtle. Some of the most common signs that your home has termite damage include:

• Drywall that looks like it's peeling or bubbling
• Ceilings or floors that look like they're swelling or buckling
• Walls and floors that appear water-damaged
• Drywall that sounds hollow when you tap on it
• Mud tubes that are spread around the foundation of your home

Some people might wonder if termites bite. Luckily the damage they cause is limited to your property though if you are the victim of a termite infestation, it might feel like an attack on your wallet.

Natural Termite Prevention Tips For Around The Home

As dangerous as termites are, is there anything you can do to prepare for them? Termites can be tricky to prevent or prepare for, but there are a couple of things you can do to make your home less enticing to these pests. Some of the best ways to do this include:

• Try to reduce the moisture and humidity in crawl spaces, basements, and attics.
• Avoid storing wood and firewood against the foundation of your home.
• Regularly ensure you're keeping gutters clear and there's no moisture build-up near your foundation.
• Keep wooden siding at least six inches or more above the soil.
• Regularly inspect fences or other wooden structures around your property for rotted or infested wood and remove any that you find.
• Have a pest control professional perform annual termite inspections in your home.

Keep in mind that most termite infestations don't become noticeable for three to eight years, which is why annual inspections are so critical. A pest management professional can identify a termite issue far before the damage becomes apparent. A yearly inspection could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars in structural damage if you do have termites.

The Most Effective Termite Control For Dallas Homes

Whether they help the environment or not, termite infestations cause nothing but harm for Dallas homeowners (and their wallets). The best way to get rid of termites is by working with All-Safe Pest & Termite.

If you suspect termites could be invading your house, want to hear more about termite prevention, or would even just like an annual inspection of your home, we are only one phone call away. Contact us today at All-Safe Pest & Termite to learn more about how our termite control services can keep your home free of these destructive pests.