Termites are known as the "silent destroyers" of the pest world for a reason. They can infest your home without your knowledge, slowly eating away at its inner structure and causing massive damage before you are ever aware of them. By the time you discover them, it's often too late to remove them without professional help and expensive repairs. In fact, termites are one of the most costly pests in the country. United States homeowners pay over five billion dollars every year to fix termite damage, and insurance often doesn't even cover this damage. If you need affordable pest control in Dallas, Texas Star Pest & Termite is the company to call.
Signs Of Termite Activity To Watch For Around Your Property
Let's examine some common signs of termites that you should keep an eye out for. Termites are attracted to either wet or dry wood, depending on the species, but they will often get into your house in the same ways. Wood infested by termites may appear to have been eaten away at if the termites have reached the surface. There may also be bubbles or peeling paint on the wood. Infested wood may become darker or sound hollow when tapped. Another common sign is the discarded wings termite swarmers drop around doors and windows. When subterranean termites leave their shelter in search of moisture, they will create mud tubes to protect themselves from the elements. These mud tubes are likely to indicate that you have termites in your house. Now that we've covered some common signs of termites inside your house, let's look at how they can damage your home once inside.
How Termites Can Slowly And Silently Destroy Your Home
Once termites have made their way into your home, they begin eating away at the wood, causing all kinds of issues, especially if the wood is structural. Even a smaller colony of some termite species can consume several square feet of wood per year. Since termites often go unnoticed for months or years after they invade a home, the risk of catastrophic damage is even greater. The longer a termite problem remains on your property, the worse the potential consequences will be.
Naturally Effective Termite Prevention Tips For Your Property
It can be next to impossible to remove termites from your house once they invade, but you can take some simple steps to prevent them from getting inside in the first place. Prevention is the first step to effective termite control. Here are a few termite prevention tips:
- Examine your foundation regularly for any cracks, gaps, or evidence of mud tubes.
- Store firewood away from your house and up off the ground.
- Keep shrubs and vegetation well-trimmed.
- Get rid of any standing water and make sure your gutters are working properly.
- Hire a professional home pest control company to inspect your property for evidence of termite damage each year.
These steps can only help prevent termites from infesting your house; removing these pests once they're already inside is best left to the professionals.
The Best Way To Get Rid Of Termites On Your Property
The best way to get rid of termites in Dallas is to contact our team at Texas Star Pest & Termite. We are a third-generation, family-owned, locally recognized leader in termite control. Since 1968, we've provided our customers with excellent services that go far above and beyond what is required. We have not finished our job until our customers are satisfied. Contact Texas Star Pest & Termite today and request a free estimate!