Termites are an insidious threat to your home's internal structure. These tiny arthropods invade in vast numbers, feeding on any wood they find. In the wild, they generally just help to break down dead trees, but when they find their way into people's homes, their feast becomes far less ecologically friendly and far more hazardous to humans. Due to the termite's prolific life cycle, removing them can be a challenge once they've taken root, so it's imperative that you know how to prevent them, or at least recognize the signs of their presence early so that you can nip an infestation in the bud. In this post, we'll outline exactly how to start.
What Are The Types Of Termites In Katy?
It's important to know precisely what you're up against. Here are a few of the most common species of termites you'll find infesting homes in our area:
- Subterranean termites are recognizable by the signature mud tubes which they construct to protect themselves as they search for food and water.
- Dampwood termites can be distinguished by their intense preference for areas of high moisture and humidity, as can be inferred from their name.
- Drywood termites, conversely, prefer less moisture content in their meals and nests.
Termites all share a fairly similar appearance. These insects resemble large ants with prominent, powerful mandibles. During breeding seasons, their winged swarmers will fly out from an established colony to search for new sources of food and shelter. If a colony is near your home and you notice winged termites or shed wings around your home, it may be time to take action.
How Do I Know If My Katy Home Has Termites?
If you have a termite infestation, you're unlikely to spot the actual insects themselves until their population has already exploded out of control. It's very important to recognize the warning signs and catch them early before they can expand and cause too much damage. Here are a few of the most easily identifiable marks of their presence:
- Discoloration or drooping in your walls or doors
- Peeling paint, wallpaper, or small holes in the walls
- Buckling or squeaky floorboards
- Mud tubes or drops littered around the house
- Shed insect wings from the termite's swarmers scattered around common entry points
- Damaged wood, tunnels resembling a maze
- Actual termites crawling out of crevices around your home
What Attracts Termites To Katy Homes?
Termites feed on wood, which most homes happen to be built of in no small part. Most species are also especially attracted to areas of high moisture or humidity. If there's an established nest nearby in a tree stump or an old log, you may be at risk of an infestation when their reproduction cycle sends swarmers out to make new colonies in your Katy home.
What's The Best Way To Protect My Katy Home From Termites?
Because of their prolific life cycle and stealthy nature, it can be a challenge even to identify a termite infestation until it has caused considerable damage. That's why your best bet will be to contact the professionals for guidance. The experts at All-Safe Pest & Termite are highly trained to track down these capricious insects and remove them promptly.
Reach out to All-Safe and discover why thousands of people every day trust our licensed technicians to take care of all their pest control needs. It's not just our thirty years of experience in the field that makes us stand out—it's our commitment to each client's unique individual case, with fully customizable and comprehensive treatment plans to fit perfectly into your budget and busy schedule.