Nobody wants to hear the dreaded phrase “termite damage.” But how do you know if termites have infested your home? What can you do about it?
If you’re looking for termite control in Longview, look no further than Gecko Pest Control. We get rid of termites and keep them from coming back.
What Are The Signs Of Termites?
The first step in treating a termite infestation is identifying one. The most common type of termite in Longview is the subterranean termite. These insects live in underground colonies where they have a strict caste system. Every spring, reproductive termites leave the nest to start a new colony; this is called “swarming.” If you see termites with wings on your property, these are almost certainly swarming reproductive termites looking for a new home. Unfortunately, this means they’re either leaving a nest near your home or looking to start one nearby.
Because subterranean termites live underground, you likely won’t see them outside of the swarming season. Instead, you might find mud tubes built on the side of your house. These allow termites to travel from their underground colony to the wood in your house without drying out. After a time, you’ll be able to notice damage to the wooden parts of your home. Wood might soften or sound hollow when tapped. The paint might start to blister or look uneven. You may even find wings shed by swarming termites, often near windows.
How Quickly Can Termites Destroy A House?
Termites have a reputation for destroying homes before you know they’re there. This actually isn’t entirely true. It is true that termites eat wood, which can eventually cause severe structural damage to a building. The key word here is eventually. It can take years for a single termite colony to cause structural damage to a home. However, it is hard to notice termite damage at first, which is how many infestations lead to more severe issues. Chances are, you’ll catch on once the termite colony has grown and begins to cause more problems.
Once you suspect that termites are eating at your home, you should seek a professional termite inspection to confirm and treat the problem.
What Attracts Termites To Homes?
One of the most significant factors in a termite infestation, especially with subterranean termites, is moisture. Termites need a certain level of hydration to live, so they build their colonies underground and travel through the mud. Some species seek out soft, water-damaged wood to eat, although this isn’t the case for all termites. Because of this, some of the most important termite prevention tips involve eliminating sources of excess moisture around your home. Try these tricks to minimize your chances of developing a termite infestation:
- Divert water away from your house’s foundation.
- Repair any leaks from pipes, air conditioning units, and other water sources.
- Ensure that all areas of your home are well-ventilated, including basements and crawl spaces.
- Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your house.
- Eliminate all contact between wood and soil with a gravel barrier or another material between your house and dirt.
- Seal potential entry points for swarming termites, such as gaps around windows or doors.
Each of these steps can help you avoid termite infestations. Unfortunately, sometimes termites manage to move into a house no matter what the homeowners do. When that happens, call a professional home pest control company to get rid of the termites before they cause too much damage.
Who Do I Call If I Think My Home Has A Termite Problem?
Gecko Pest Control provides Longview termite treatments for homes and other buildings in the area. Our services always begin with an inspection of your home to find areas with termite activity, any conducive conditions, and other factors that could be contributing to the infestation. A trained service technician will walk you through the treatment process. We begin by creating a barrier around your home that will eliminate termites. We also offer a variety of interior treatments customized to fit your needs.
Our technicians are professionally trained and ready to provide you with the highest quality of service. Call Gecko Pest Control today to learn more about how we keep termites out of Longview homes.