What are termites?
Termites are small insects that belong to the order of Blattodea. They have a light brown to tan coloration, grow to approximately an inch in length, and are known for the different castes that make up their colonies. In a termite nest, you will find reproductives (also called swarmers), worker termites, and soldier termites. While there are many different subspecies of termites, the termite varieties that most commonly cause problems in human structures are subterranean and drywood termites.
For the most part, termites will live underground and utilize mud tubes to invade the internal wooden structures of your property. Some termites prefer to infest the wood on your property directly, making a professional termite inspection for your home important to determine which species you are dealing with.
Are termites dangerous?
While termites don’t bite humans and don’t carry bacteria or diseases, these pests are still dangerous to host around your structure. Termites constantly chew and tunnel through the wood they invade, hollowing it out and causing severe structural damage. Over time, termite damages can include sinking floors or ceilings, bulging walls, wood that appears water-damaged or breaks away easily, and structural collapse. Termite treatments applied by professionals are vital in stopping this damage and removing termite problems before they get completely out of control.
Why do I have a termite problem?
A termite problem around your property is most likely because it has easy accessibility to many factors that attract these pests. Termites love areas with plenty of excess moisture and will often make their colonies underground; moist soil makes this easier in addition to any damaged wood, facilitating easier access for the termites.
Additionally, gaps and cracks around your property’s foundation, windows, and doors encourage termites to come inside, while overgrown foliage and debris outdoors give termites plenty of harborage areas.
Where will I find termites?
Around the exterior of your property, you are most likely to find termites underground; you can detect the presence of their colonies by finding mud tubes in the area. You may also see certain termite species inhabiting fallen branches, trees, and tree stumps on your property.
Once termites invade interior areas, they will be in the spaces between walls, around the foundation of your property, and in any wooden structures, they can tunnel into.
How do I get rid of termites?
To get rid of termites, contact The Bugstoppers at the first sign of these pests. Our expert technicians will help identify your Houston termite problem and provide solutions that carefully remove all traces of these pests from your property. With our help, termite issues can be taken care of in no time, and you can prevent the damage these pests bring.
How can I prevent termites in the future?
Follow our expert termite prevention tips below to keep these pests off of your property in the future:
- Seal up termite entry points, such as the cracks around windows, doors, and your property’s foundation.
- Address moisture issues that create humid conditions, damage the wood around your property, or lead to pools of excess water.
- Cut back long grasses and overgrown foliage to reduce termite harborage areas.
- Trust The Bugstoppers for annual termite inspections that catch termite problems before they get out of control.
Contact The Bugstoppers for more information on residential and commercial termite prevention and removal.