Termites, if left to their own devices, will cause immense property damage. Thankfully, termites are less common than most household pests. That’s not to say they aren’t a problem, though. Even here in North Texas, we find ourselves dealing with termite infestations on the regular. These little bugs chew through wood, flooring, and even your new wallpaper. You may not even notice the extent of the damage until it’s too late. The moment you do spot termites in your home, it’s best to call in an expert to rid your property of the problem.

Signs of Termites

The key to tracking down a termite infestation is the visual cues provided by the colony. If you have the winged variety in your home, then you’ll eventually spot one flying about. However, most homeowners find their first signs of termites near the windows and doors. It’s also common to spot an infestation within cabinets, such as under the sink or a pantry.

Most often, these signs occur during early spring. This time is when most termites begin colonizing and actively searching for new food after the winter months.

Paint

One of the first signs you’ll notice if termites are in the walls would be paint that is starting to bubble or crack. The termites feed of the interior of your home, as they reach the surface, where the paint or wallpaper is located, it begins to bubble. You might notice frass inside of the bubble, which is termite waste.

Wood

If you have solid wood in your home, such as the floorboards, you may notice they start to sound hollow. The termites leave the outer shell of any item they eat, carving out the interior. If you tap on the wood, it will produce a slight echo.

Mud Tubes

As termites build their colony, they form mud tubes similar to that of hornets or wasps. These tubes will be spread throughout the house, in the exterior walls, wooden beams, and within the crawlspace.

How to Treat Termites

The key to treating termites is to reduce its food sources. Often, for most homeowners dealing with termites, this means a nearby firewood pile near the house. Then, any wood, lumber, or paper debris around the foundation must be dealt with, too.

The best option to treat termites is not a chemical solution found in stores, but rather professional treatment. You’ll pay a little more money but receive better, safe results overall. There are formulas designed specifically for termites and even wood treatments available to keep them away for good.

Do not let termites eat the home around you – contact NTX Best Pest at 972-752-6706. We have termite experts standing by to help!

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