Frisco properties are well sought after, and unfortunately, susceptible to termite activity. Termites hold a special place on the nuisance pest hierarchy. They’re tiny in size, but their ability to cause large-scale property damage is unlike any other pest on the list. They have the potential to completely destroy the structural integrity of your home or business, putting you and everyone else in danger.
Termites 101
Before getting into the colossal devastation and irreversible damage they cause, it’s good to know how to identify a termite in general. The details of their appearance vary depending on their caste, and their life-cycle stage. For instance, worker termites look like translucent white ants, while soldiers look more like the typical, brown termite that everyone pictures. Here are some of their basic characteristics, to differentiate them from ants and other wood-eaters.
- Size: 1/8 – 1 inch in length
- Color: Varies from white to brown, to black (depending on life stage)
- Body: 2 segments with a straight abdomen; 2 antennae and 6 legs
All termites begin as eggs, turn into larvae and nymphs, and then go one of three ways, determining their caste within the colony. Either they become a worker, a soldier, or a reproductive termite. Reproductive termites become nymphs after the larval stage. From there, the nymph becomes an alate, also known as a reproductive termite. The alates have 2 sets of wings that are equal in length which they then use to become swarmers, flying around the property in search of new breeding sites.
Termite Prevention
When termites breed, they eat through wood and other structural timbers to lay eggs and grow their colonies. As they feed on the construction, they compromise the integrity of the structure by weakening and eroding it over time. This colossal property damage caused by termites is what gives them their wood-eating reputation of destruction. To protect your Frisco property from termites, try the following methods of prevention:
- Avoid any wood-to-soil contact.
- Use weather stripping for all doors and windows.
- Eliminate excess moisture around the property.
- Repair leaky faucets and faulty pipes.
- Install a dehumidifier in moisture-rich areas.
- Use vent fans in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
- Keep downspouts extended away from the structure.
- Remove any moisture-damaged wood from the property.
- Inspect all wood before bringing it onto your property.
- Store all your firewood at a safe distance from the home.
One thing to consider is that while termites are undoubtedly detrimental to the structure of homes and businesses, they’re actually extremely beneficial to the ecosystem. They play a rather vital role in balancing nature by breaking down wood and other cellulose materials.
Termites Warning Signs
Sure, they may be of use to the environment, but still, no one wants them anywhere near their property. If you’re not sure how to tell if you have termites or not, pay attention to certain indications. Some of the most common signs of termite activity around your property include:
- Damp, damaged, or weakened wood
- Excessively squeaky/noisy floors
- Hollow-sounding wood when tapped upon
- Windows and doors that are hard to open
- Discolored drooping drywall
- Gallery tunnels through drywall
- Swarmer termites fly around looking for new places to nest
- Wings discarded on the floor near doors and windows
- Worker termites in the soil that look like white ants
- Tapping sounds from inside the walls
- Visible cracks and crevices along the foundation
How All-Safe Pest & Termite Can Help
If you notice any of these signs, it’s likely indicative of a larger infestation. The best thing you can do is to call in the professionals at All-Safe Pest & Termite. Your safest protection from termite damage is regular service from pest professionals. There’s no time to waste when it comes to termite treatment and prevention, so get in touch with us right away and we’ll schedule a thorough inspection as soon as possible.