When warning sirens blare or our smartphones awaken with an alert, we know to go into awareness mode. We immediately check the television, phones, or the internet to discover why and what we should do next to avoid disaster. Fortunately, most weather events give warning signs, and we can take action to minimize damage or loss of life; the same is true for termites.
If you suspect termites are eating the timber in your home, you need termite control in Orange County from The PEST Group. Our pest management professionals use cutting-edge pest control technologies and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques to stop termite infestations. Our holistic, environmentally sensitive approach to pest control prioritizes the well-being of our customers and their families.
Like a good basketball team, we want you to be good on defense and offense. So, in this short article, we give you the information to do both in the battle against termites.
The First Signs Of A Termite Problem
Termites live in the wood (drywood termites) or the soil (subterranean termites). Part of a good defense against these six-legged insects is knowing these early warning signs of termites:
Mud tubes
Live termites
Sawdust-like piles
Pinholes in the wood
Discarded termite wings
Flying termites (swarmers)
Blistering wallpaper or paint
Darkened or hollow-sounding timbers
Keep reading as we briefly examine each of these indicators.
Subterranean termites create mud tubes on foundation and basement walls for protection as they travel from their nest to wood food sources. Drywood termites shove their feces outside wood pinholes, leaving tiny sawdust-like piles.
Both termite species produce winged, reproductive termites that swarm around lights, windows, and doors in the spring and fall during dusk and dawn. When they find a potential nesting area, they discard their wings, mate, and burrow into the surrounding soil or wood.
Termites in the walls do not eat to the outside but leave a thin veneer of paper, and due to their body and room moisture, the paint or wallpaper blisters. Also, as termites consume wood fibers, the wood darkens from surrounding moisture. Furthermore, if you tap on termite-infested wood, it sounds hollow.
If you see these signs of termites, you need The PEST Group as part of your defensive strategy.
The Problem With Trying To Get Rid Of Termites By Yourself
Subterranean termites live and travel through the soil, which makes DIY eradication difficult. Drywood termites infest areas that are often impossible to reach. Furthermore, most people do not know what type of termite infests their home. Each species has different habits and behaviors, and unless you know these things, spot-treating visible termites won't address the hidden queen and the rest of the colony. Furthermore, termite removal often requires specialized equipment and techniques.
The PEST Group pest management professionals have the tools, training, and experience to stop termites from causing further damage to your Orange County home.
Prevention Is Crucial To Successful Termite Control
Because the best defense is a good offense, we recommend these termite prevention tips:
Seal entry points in the foundation and attic.
Provide drainage away from the foundation.
Repair leaking pipes, facets, or AC units.
Ventilate the crawl space, basement, and attic.
Store firewood 20 feet from the house and elevate it.
Create barriers around wood contacting the soil.
Schedule regular termite inspections.
When pest management professionals from The PEST Group inspect your home, we can provide additional suggestions.
What Is The Most Effective Termite Control Method?
The best way to keep termites from harming your home is to have The PEST Group conduct a termite inspection. We will investigate to determine entry points, attractants, termite hot spots, and the type of termites present. If we find termites, our pest management professionals will create a strategic plan utilizing IPM methods to target and eliminate the offending species.
Contact The PEST Group to learn more about our termite control methods and to schedule your free inspection today.