You would know if thousands of hungry bugs were gobbling up your home or business, right? Well, the unfortunate reality of termite infestations is much different than you may expect. Most folks are blissfully unaware of their termite problems, allowing termites to do thousands of dollars of damage before being detected. That’s why it’s crucial to know if you have a termite problem on your Houston property.
What You Should Know About Termites
Termites are some of nature’s best recyclers, responsible for converting decaying plant material into nutritious soil for new plants to grow. They are found worldwide and are one of the most populous types of animals on the planet, along with cattle, sheep, chickens, and ants. Depending on the species, termites can range from 1/8 to a full inch in length and may be pale yellow to dark brown in color. Like ants and bees, they are social insects that live in large colonies with a rigid caste system consisting of different types such as workers, soldiers, and reproductives.
Every year, it’s estimated that termites cost American property owners some five billion dollars in damage (and another $25 billion in crop damage!). About 600,000 people in the U.S. pay for termite repairs annually, with the average cost of repair hovering around $3,000 a pop. While the destruction can sometimes be minor, extensive infestations often lead to jamming doors and windows, and in the most extreme cases, the complete collapse of floors and walls.
Why Termites Are Hard To Spot
Unlike many other pests, termites leave relatively few signs of their presence and do their business within the floors and walls of your property where you can’t see. They do leave some clues of their presence behind, but most of their work is quiet and slow — meaning that damage isn’t always apparent.
Keeping an eye out for signs of termites is imperative for protecting your property and your bank account. While it might seem like an unnecessary expense, regular termite inspections from a trained professional are the best way to save yourself from the high cost of termite repairs.
Signs Of Termite Activity
Termites give few indications of their presence, but there are some definitive signs of termite activity that you can count on. You could have termites on your Houston property if you’re noticing:
- Termite tubes – Subterranean termites, the most common type to infest U.S. properties, construct crude mud tunnels connecting their colony to your property. These termites tubes can be found along with foundations and basement areas.
- Frass – As termites excavate their galleries, they expel waste in the form of a powdery, sawdust-like substance known as “frass.” Frass can often be found in small piles on windowsills and floors.
- Visible damage – Bubbling or blistering wallpaper and maze-like patterns appearing in wood flooring are telltale signs of termites. Wood warped from termite damage can also cause doors and windows to jam.
- Flying termites – Flying reproductive termites, also known as “swarmers,” gathering on your property is a sure sign of an existing termite colony nearby. If you see these winged termites emerging from within your home, you may already have an advanced infestation.
If you’ve spotted any of these signs of termite activity, save your property and your wallet with help from the termite experts at All-Safe Pest & Termite. When you choose our renowned termite control services, you’ll get a thorough inspection and spot treatment with our very first visit. We’ll install industry-leading Sentricon® System with Always Active™ to keep your property protected all year long. Every four months, we’ll return to ensure that your Houston property remains termite-free. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help!