The tiny creatures called termites are the worst nightmare of the homeowners. These little bugs eat the physical structures of a building, leaving it hollow from the inside. Termite infestation does as much damage as floods, fires, and storms as it possesses extensive, expensive, and potential health risks!
Currently, Texas has the highest concentration of termites in the country. You just can’t let your dream house get damaged by these tiny creatures. At this time, humidity and moisture are high in Texas. The risk of termite infestation is even more. It’s prime termite season as swarmers emerge and establish new colonies, including vulnerable residential properties. You may be facing termite infestation soon if your house is five years old or more. Don’t take these tiny creatures lightly!
Damaged caused by Termites are beyond your control
Termites are uninvited guests that feed on dead or decaying plant materials, including wood. The worst part is you won’t even know how much damage they have done to your home. A hungry colony may eat plaster, metal siding, insulation, flooring, wood, and wallpaper 24/7 and affect the structural stability of a home within a few years.
In nature, termites can break down old and dry wood, the reason why your home is at risk. If its infestation is not detected and prevented timely, it can cause physical, financial, and health damage.
1. Physical damage
Structural damage is the most extreme damage caused by termites. They gulp the beams, posts, wall studs, and interiors. If they go undetected, they make the house unlivable and unsafe for the occupants.
If you notice squeaky floors, loose tiles, sagging ceilings, peeling paint, puncture holes in drywall, and hollow furniture, it means you have a termite infestation in your home.
Termites become more active in warmer climates. It is pretty common for them to thrive in April-May and cause extensive damage to the property.
2. Financial damage
It takes years to build a property successfully. The destructiveness caused by termites is huge! They can weaken the structures of a building within a short span of time. Every year, termites cause damage worth $5 billion to the property. You can imagine the extent of destruction created by these tiny creatures.
Termites can make a hole in your bank account if you don’t detect them on time and take preventive actions. Repair costs of termite damage are pretty high if it grows into a full-blown infestation.
3. Health risks
Taking termite infestation lightly is the worst thing you can do to yourself. Apart from structural and financial damages, these species also pose adverse health effects.
The wound of termite bite and sting can be painful. Though it’s not toxic, it can lead to allergic reactions and even asthma attacks in some cases.
Common termites found in Texas
In Texas, you will find different types of termites. Here are some common ones:
1. Termites with wings
Swarmers, swarm castles, flying termites, alates, or swarm termites appear in warmer months in Texas. They look like flying ants and are equal in size. Don’t confuse them with ants.
2. Subterranean termites
These species of termites are found in the Northern sides of Texas. Subterranean termites survive in mud, sand, and moist areas above ground, the reason they are the most destructive ones. These termites do have the capacity to collapse a structure over time.
3. Drywood termites
These species don’t need soil to survive. An undecayed wood with little moisture content is enough for them to make a home. Drywood termites affect the building structures way quickly!
Tried and tested termite prevention tips
The thought of termite infestation scares a lot of people to the core. The after-effects are destructive and costly. If you are also scared of termite infestation at your home, implement these tips to prevent its spread:
- Minimize the moisture content in and around the home
- Repair leaking faucets, water pipes, and exterior AC units at your facility
- Repair fascia, soffits, and rotted roof shingles that make space for termites
- Replace weather-stripping and faulty mortar in the basement areas and windows
- Keep routine inspection of a home a priority. It helps in the detection of mud tubes, uneven or bubbling paint, and hollow wood.
- Timely monitor exterior areas of wood, including windows, door frames, and skirting boards
- Try to maintain an 18-inch gap between the soil and wood portions of your home
- Schedule a professional pest inspection on an annual basis
- Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your house
By keeping these proven tips in consideration, you can control the termite infestation up to an extent. However, if the problem goes out of control, termites can’t be controlled with do-it-yourself measures.
When is there a need for a home inspection?
Currently, termites are everywhere in Texas. Preventive measures for termite damage control are necessary. For early detection and better control over their destructive consequences, an annual termite inspection is crucial. Professional check-ups for signs of termite colonies will give you peace of mind.
If there are termites, the specialists can exterminate their infestation before they cause physical structural damage, financial and health damage. Professional exterminators can make sure your property is safe from disasters despite the high chances of termite infestation in Texas.
Stop termite attacks with pest control!
Termites look small in size, but the havoc they create within a building is beyond your imagination. It’s necessary to detect them before they spread fast and make your bank account as empty as your building.
Connect with Accurate pest control to get the best services for the termite inspection and control in San Antonio. Our team of expert exterminators conducts a thorough investigation to identify the type of termites and their source. It allows us to offer expert solutions for termite infestation.
Contact us today to get more information about our different pest inspection plans that meet your needs!