Termites may be small, but when they work together, they cause huge problems. These insects love to chip away at wood, which means they can destroy homes, furniture, and other structures. Though they're most active in spring and summer, these pests are a nuisance all year long. The most common species of termite to invade your Frisco home is the subterranean termite.
Termites operate in a caste system. There are workers, soldiers, and swarmers (also known as reproductive termites). In order to control or avoid an infestation, its important to recognize when termites are present, consider techniques for termite prevention, and hire a professional for termite control.
How To Tell If You Have A Termite Infestation
Recognizable signs of termite infestations include:
- Drooping or discolored drywall
- Pinpoint wall holes
- Buckling or squeaky floorboards
- Loosened floor tiles
- Damaged wood
- Mud tubes and maze-like patterns in walls, floors and foundations
- Piles of their droppings or frass which resembles spilled salt and pepper
Furthermore, you can detect their activity by inspecting the structural integrity of your home. Knock on wood and listen for hollowness. Termite activity also leads to excessive moisture. Therefore, bubbling, bloated or peeling paint that seems like the result of water damage, could actually be a hint of termites.
However, all of these signs are subtle, and, for the most part, it's quite difficult to detect a termite infestation. In fact, most infestations go unnoticed until they're out of hand.
The most obvious sign of termites is spotting swarmers or reproductives that leave their established colony to start a new one. Termite swarmers are usually half of an inch long, with wings much longer than their bodies. Their wings and larger size are what distinguish them physically from others in the colony.
Most of the time, termites go undetected because they're small and live underground. Swarmers, on the other hand, travel outside. In the springtime, they leave their nests to mate and build new colonies. You may catch them trying to exit through crevices and cracks in walls and foundations. They will surround windows and lamps, as they are attracted to light. They rarely are alone and move in groups. They only fly out of a nest if it's full and the weather is favorable, so if you see one, there's probably a termite infestation already in place. Also, be on the lookout for mounds of swarmer wings; they resemble fish scales.
How To Prevent Swarmers And Termites
It may seem like an impossible task to keep termites away. However, there are several things you can do to keep them at bay.
- Termites are most attracted to moist and/or decaying wood; be sure to repair or throw any away.
- Fix leaks or items that are making wood damp.
- If you store wood, have it a good distance from your home and avoid putting it directly on top of soil.
- Seal cracks or holes in walls and your foundation.
- Maintain and trim greenery, and keep it far enough from your property.
- Clean your gutters regularly to ensure they're free of debris.
How Adams Exterminating Company Can Help With Termites
It's very difficult to successfully exterminate termites on your own. That's why Adams Exterminating Company uses the proven Sentricon® System with Always Active™ to eliminate your infestation. First, we begin with an inspection of your property to identify the source and severity of the problem. Then, we strategically install bait stations around the perimeter of your home. Sentricon® with Always Active™ baits worker termites who spread the poison throughout the colony to destroy it completely. Last but not least, Adams can provide you with preventive care, tips, and inspections. It's important to arm and protect your property in advance; you don't want to wait for an infestation to happen.
You can stay ahead of the termite game with Adams Exterminating Company. Locally owned, Adams has been in business since 1947. We work with you and your unique situation to find a solution that eliminates your pest problem. Over the years, staff members have been a part of the Texas Pest Control Association and the Texas Structural Pest Control board. Workers are experienced and knowledgeable. Currently, the company has a five-star rating on Google and Facebook. You can rest assured you'll receive thorough and quality service. Request an estimate with no obligation today.