The residents of Plano know that taking care of our houses is essential if we are going to beat the Texas heat. But there are a lot of risks besides the heat that we need to watch out for. Termites are a threat to Texas homes all year round. And if you know anything about termites, you know that spotting an infestation early can be all the difference.
Spotting An Infestation
Millions of homeowners suffer from termite infestations every year. The average cost of repairs for infestations is usually around $3000 when the infestation lasts longer than six months to a year. You see, the problem is that it’s very easy for termites to go undetected in your house for a year or even two, which would leave you with costly damage.
Keeping this in mind, you need to understand what to look for to identify termite activity.
- Frass: This is a combination of termite droppings and wood pellets expelled from termite tunnels as they work. If you see this along the floor, don’t just sweep it under the rug.
- Soft clicking noises: as termites work they will emit barely discernible sounds from within your walls. Ignoring this sound could cost you thousands, so lean in close if you think you hear something.
- Tightening around windows and doors: this is a sure sign of termite damage and should not be ignored or put under the category of general wear and tear. If you have trouble closing doors or opening and closing windows, then you should call to have a termite inspection scheduled.
- Swarming: The termite mating process, known as swarming, usually presents itself as a large, gray, buzzing cloud of winged termites who are in charge of colonization. If you see this reproductive ritual on your property, it’s a sure sign of infestation. It usually occurs on a hot day following lots of rain.
Preventative Measures
When you do incur an infestation, there’s not much you can do about it. However, there are a few things you can do around your house to limit your chance of an infestation in the first place.
- Moisture control: since termites thrive in environments of soft and rotted wood, ensuring that the foundation of your home is safe from excess moisture is essential for avoid an infestation. Proper moisture control techniques include using a dehumidifier in your crawlspace, checking around your property for leaking pipes, and diverting rainwater away from the side of your house. Use any gutter and downspout system that will allow you to redirect the runoff away from your home.
- Limiting soil to word contact: if your home has a wooden foundation in contact with the surrounding soil, you should create a 12-inch buffer to deter termite activity.
- Storing firewood away from your house: if you store firewood on your property, it needs to remain sealed to prevent termite damage. It should also be stored away from any structures that termites could damage.
Unfortunately, you can implement all of these tips correctly around your property and still be at risk for termites. And who wants to leave it to chance? With thousands of dollars on the line, you need to go with a guarantee, and the only guaranteed solution against termites is to enlist professional help. Contact Adams Exterminating at the first sign of termites or for the best form of termite protection.