The most common termite homeowners deal with is the subterranean termite. This little insect is among the most feared when it comes to a pest infestation. The damage that termites are capable of is very costly to repair and they are quite difficult to get rid of. Only a professional pest control technician really has the tools and capability to effectively remove a termite infestation. DIY termite methods are ineffective and unable to reach all the termites so knowing whether you have reached them all is near impossible without the right equipment. Professional residential termite control is extremely important when it comes to your home, one of your biggest assets.
Getting to know termites
The termite world is quite organized and each termite has a job and a responsibility. They live in colonies forming three groups: the workers, the soldiers and the reproductives. The worker and soldier termites are blind but that’s okay since they usually live in dark places and their other senses are highly specialized and fine tuned to assist them in building the colony. Termites build the largest nest of any other insect. Though these insects look similar to ants, they are more closely related to cockroaches. They do not actually “eat” the wood, though they do ingest it and the microorganisms in their guts help them digest it. This relationship between the termite and the microorganism is symbiotic since it helps them both through their life.
How to recognize a termite infestation
One of the scariest things about termites is that they can go on chewing through the support structures and wood in your walls without you even knowing it. The damage they create can cost thousands of dollars to repair. Here are some warning signs that you have termites:
- Bulging or buckling in the floors and ceilings that may look like water damage
- The presence of mud-like tubes on the walls inside or outside your home. These are made from “cement” that the termite makes and are hollow passageways they use to move around through. It is a mixture of soil, feces and saliva.
- Signs of “swarmers,” which are flying termites that come out in the day. They look like flying ants and are usually seen by lights and near doors and windows. Swarming occurs between the months of March to July.
- Spotting piles of wings is a big red flag. As termites mature and enter the next stage of development, they shed their wings and leave them in piles.
- You might see what looks like small, wood colored pellets in piles by walls or near openings of tunnels. This is called frass but it is actually termite feces.
- If you notice a strange moldy or mildew like odor, this often accompanies a termite infestation.
Removing termites requires expert help
Pointe Pest Control uses 3 main treatment types to get rid of termites. Several types of termiticides along with baiting stations will be used around your home to ensure the problem is taken care of. Our approach is quick though it does require several different visits and routine inspections safeguard against the problem returning. Pointe Pest Control is happy to help with all your residential termite control needs, call us today!
For more residential pest control information and a free inspection, please call
(610) 277-7575 or (732) 358-7575
or click here to submit a request.
