The most common type of termite in the U.S is the subterranean termite. Although drywood and dampwood termites can also be found in the country, you're most likely to encounter the subterranean termite in McKinney.
These destructive pests will literally eat you out of house and home, so it pays to know what you’re up against. Read on to find out everything you need to know about the common pest, and you may be able to protect your property from them.
What Are Subterranean Termites?
Subterranean termites are a type of termite that causes significant damage to homeowners. Although worker termites of this type resemble other termites, the soldiers and alates are different in appearance. The alates, or swarmers, are dark brown or black in color. Meanwhile, the soldiers are creamy white with brown heads and distinctive mandibles on their heads that they use to attack threats to the colony, such as ants.
Subterranean termites were named for their habit of building underground nests. Typically, the wood they eat through has remnants of the soil or mud from their nests. Unlike other termites in McKinney, subterranean termites only eat soft wood. When they chew through your wood, they leave behind layers and chew with the grain. Other types of termites usually chew against the grain and don't leave layers.
Although it's not common, subterranean termites sometimes build their nests above the ground. However, they only do so when there's enough moisture for them to thrive. In dry conditions, such as the climate in McKinney typically provides, the termites keep their nests underground.
Why Are Subterranean Termites Bad?
If you don't already know about the dangers of termites, you should. Out of all the pests in McKinney, termites cause by far the most property damage. They enter cracks in your concrete walls and foundation, then chew through the wood in your home right under your nose. Many homeowners don’t even become aware of a problem until severe damage has taken place; this is how termites are able to do so much damage to a home.
Once termites enter your home, they chew through furniture, floors, and ceilings.. After months of having termites in your home, you are likely to need extensive repairs. In fact, termite damage costs home and business owners across the country millions of dollars in repairs every year in repairs.
What Are Some Signs Of Termite Damage?
It’s important to be aware of the telltale signs of a termite infestation so that you can act immediately once one becomes apparent. You may be able to notice the signs of termite damage before you need thousands of dollars in repairs. All of the following are common signs of termite damage:
- Doors and windows that are hard to open.
- Swollen floors and ceilings.
- Buckling wood.
- Maze-like tunnels in wood.
- Frass.
If you suspect that you have termites, you shouldn't hesitate to call a termite control specialist for help. The longer you wait, the more damage you'll experience. To prevent yourself from experiencing the damage that comes from a termite infestation, you need to treat the issue as soon as possible.
How To Prevent Termites
As a property owner, there are a few things you can do to keep termites away. For one, you should reduce soil-to-wood contact around your home. If any wood from your home is in direct contact with dirt, termites could target these areas. Do your best to remove lumber and mulch that are near your foundation.
If you have mulch, it should be at least four inches away from your structure. The siding on your structure should be at least six inches above the ground. When building a new home, make sure your contractor is taking all the measures necessary to keep termites out.
Moist wood attracts termites, so fixing moisture issues could prevent these pests. If you have any leaky faucets, repair them. Poor drainage and too much humidity inside your home can also cause your wood to be moist. Take steps to limit the moisture, and you may be able to keep termites away.
Ultimately, The best way to protect your property from subterranean termites is with professional assistance. The team at Adam's Exterminating Company have decades of experience eliminating termites from homes across Texas and protecting them from termites for the future. Call us today for last termite prevention and elimination services.