When you were a kid, and the weather was hot, what did you do to cool down? Go swimming? Splash cold water on your face? Play in the sprinkler out in the yard? It seems no matter what method we used, water was always the best way to cool down quick. Well, just like we love water, termites love water too, but for different reasons. First, termites have very thin skin which requires constant moisture to combat how quickly they dry out. Second, water eats away at wood. This creates not only a food source for termites but also a perfect place to call home.
Where to Find Termites
When looking for termites in and around your Lewisville home, keep an eye out for sources of water. Sources of water can be created by any number of factors, possibly a leaking pipe, broken or clogged gutters, or maybe even missing shingles. If you can’t find the source of water, look for the damage it has caused, mainly rotting or water-damaged wood. It is much easier to spot potential termite entry spots than it is to find where termites have actually already invaded. This is due to the fact that the holes termites make to enter and exit wood are tiny and often hard to spot with the naked eye.
Where They Came From
It can be hard to imagine where termites came from when considering that they invade and infest wood. Logically we know that often times the wood outside our homes is widely spread apart. So, how is it that termites get from place to place? Well, as it turns out, termites tunnel underground and will do this until they find a suitable wooden structure or piece of wood to infest. Occasionally the wood they want to infest lies just beyond their reach. For this reason, termites have a card up their figurative sleeve, the mud tunnel. Not only are these practical for getting from places lacking in wood to places plentiful with wood, but the mud tunnel also provides moisture for thin-skinned traveling termites.
Damage Termites Cause
Termites main source of food is cellulose, which is found in, you guessed it, wood! This means, if your home is made of wood, then it probably looks pretty tasty to termites.
Although a small termite infestation doesn’t pose a terrible threat, as a termite colony grows so does the damage they cause. Signs of a large termite colony include buckling wood, swollen floors and ceilings, bubbling wallpaper, and visible mazes inside the wood of your home. If left untreated, termite damage can leave a home unrepairable.
Why Professional Termite Prevention Works
Termite infestations can be daunting, especially because you can't just slap or flush termites away like you can other pests. If you have a termite infestation, the only solution is to call a professional, and when it comes to professionals, you will find none better than Adams Pest Exterminating. With solutions including the Home Guardian Program, you can expect nothing less than year-round termite protection. Don’t let termites destroy your home, contact Adams today to find out how we can help!