Protecting Your Stafford Home From Termites

Termites

It’s said that a third of all homes in the United States will suffer damage at the hands of termites at some point — and that’s only if you’re lucky. The fact is, these pests cause an estimated 5 billion dollars in damage to property every year. 

If you’re one of the unlucky homeowners who has to deal with this kind of destruction, then you know how costly it can be.

Not only do you have to worry about repairs, but most insurance firms don’t offer termite coverage. Consequently, you’ll have to pay for those damages out of your pocket. That’s why it’s essential to call a professional pest control company in Stafford as soon as you notice evidence of termites.

The Anatomy Of A Termite

Termites in Stafford are tiny, but they can do a lot of damage. These pests live in colonies that number in the tens of thousands, and each individual is capable of chewing through wood, paper, and even plaster.

It’s their constant gnawing that causes all the destruction. Each colony contains workers, soldiers, and a queen.

  • Workers: They’re small — between ⅛ of an inch to ¼ of an inch long — and they have white bodies with no wings or eyes. They’re the ones responsible for building and repairing the nest, as well as gathering food.
  • Soldiers: Soldiers have brownish-black heads and mandibles that are larger than those of the workers. Their job is to protect the colony from predators and pests.
  • Queen: The queen is the largest colony member, and she’s responsible for laying eggs.

A termite infestation in your home can be a real headache, but thankfully there are ways to protect your home from them. Call the best termite company near you for practical advice on how you can prevent termites from getting into your home.

Termites Love Wood & Eat Silently 

Termites require three things to survive: a source of moisture, food (wood), and shelter. They get their water from the soil around your home, which is why most infestations begin in basements or crawl spaces.

In many cases, termites enter homes through cracks in concrete footings or foundations — but that isn’t always the case. Sometimes, they enter through the tiniest of cracks in walls or floors above ground level.

Once inside, it’s easy for them to go unnoticed because they can eat in silence. They don’t make a lot of noise, and you rarely see them unless there are hundreds of them — then it may be too late for you to take action.

The Best Indication Of Termites In Your Home 

The best way to determine if you have a termite problem is by conducting a visual inspection.

Signs of a termite problem include:

  1. Mud tubes on the foundation or exterior of your home
  2. Wood that sounds hollow when tapped
  3. Damage to wood, such as buckling, splintering, or crumbling
  4. Small, pencil-width holes in wooden beams or joists
  5. Seeing termites themselves

You can prevent or limit the likelihood of termites infesting your home by:

  1. Eliminating dampness around
  2. Properly ventilating basement areas and attics
  3. Installing a vapor barrier in crawl spaces
  4. Regularly inspecting the foundation, eaves, and roofline for damage

However, if you see any of these signs, it’s time to call a professional pest control firm for termite removal. They’ll be able to tell you if you have an active infestation and what needs to be done to get rid of the termites.

Protecting Your Home From Termites Is Easy

The best way to protect your home from termites is by calling a professional pest control firm. They’ll inspect the exterior and interior of your home for signs of activity and determine if you need treatment.

Viewpoint Pest Management Solutions is a reliable pest control firm that can provide you with the best termite protection for your home. Contact us today for more information about our home pest control services.

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