Termites can cause massive problems for the unprepared homeowner. They may be present in your home for months or even years before you become aware of their presence. The damage termites cause is internal and structural rather than external and easily identifiable. Luckily, however, there is a reliable way to deal with them. If you find yourself in need of this kind of pest control in Longview, Gecko Pest Control has the resources to help you reclaim your home and relieve the headache of a termite infestation.
Why A Termite Infestation Can Go Unnoticed For A Long Time
Several species of termites exist, but subterranean termites are the most common in Texas. Subterranean termites live underground, as their name suggests, making their presence more difficult to detect than other termite species. The three types of subterranean termites are workers, soldiers, and reproductives (swarmers). Most subterranean termites are workers and toil away at the interior of wooden structures. Workers are only about a quarter of an inch long and have long, oval-shaped, cream-colored bodies with six legs and a pair of antennae. Soldiers have a similar appearance but have large mandibles they use to defend the colony. These termites live their entire life underground or within the structures, they consume, leaving little opportunity to spot them. Swarmers, on the other hand, are sometimes spotted when they emerge during mating season to reproduce and start new colonies. They are larger, dark brown, or black and have wings. Because of the minimal to nonexistent time termites spend in the open, they are likely to cause significant damage before you notice them.
The Extent Of Damage Termites Can Cause To Longview Properties
Every year, termites cost homeowners over five billion dollars in property damage in the United States alone. And to make a bad situation worse, most homeowners insurance policies don't cover these costs. For these reasons, we recommend contacting a professional pest control service or termite expert near you and having them conduct an annual termite inspection. Regular inspections will help ensure that you stay informed of any possible points of entry for termites to access your home and help you identify evidence of termite damage. Early intervention can prevent an infestation from getting too unwieldy and expensive before you have a chance to deal with it.
Do-It-Yourself Termite Control Is A Waste Of Time And Money
When faced with all the potential headaches termites can cause, it's no wonder many homeowners turn to do-it-yourself solutions to deal with termites. On the surface, these solutions may seem easy and inexpensive. However, the truth is that these homemade remedies, such as vinegar and lime, boric acid, and orange oil, do not yield reliable results and are often not worth the effort and expense they require. There are, however, several preventative steps you can take to minimize the risk of a termite infestation from starting in the first place, including:
- Keep lumber, firewood, scrap wood, and paper away from your home's foundation.
- Remove stumps and trim hedges or other plants near the exterior of your home.
- Ensure that none of the wooden parts of your home have contact with the soil.
- Direct any water run-off away from the foundation and make sure downspouts and gutters are operating correctly.
- Seal any openings in the exterior of your home, especially in the foundation and around water pipes and utility lines.
These steps should help you keep termites outside where they belong. If you are already seeing signs of termites inside your house, the best thing to do is contact a professional pest control service.
Professional Termite Control Offers Lasting Protection For Your Home
If you find yourself facing a termite infestation in your home in Longview, Gecko Pest Control offers termite control you can count on. We are locally owned and family-operated in Longview, and with over 20 years of experience, you can be sure that we have the skills and resources to relieve you of the nasty headaches termites can cause. Contact us today for a free estimate, inspection, or all your termite control needs.