Since termites are seldom seen, when they do show themselves, they are often mistaken for other pests. When termites have wings, they look like flying ants, but they often shed these wings when they come inside to begin a new colony. If you notice what looks like yellow or white ants in your house that you haven’t seen before, check the interior window sills for wings. This is a sure sign that termites have made entry into your home. This is bad!
Why Are Termites A Problem?
Termites have their place in nature- devouring downed trees, aiding in the decomposition of the forest, and putting nutrients back into the soil. However, you absolutely do not want them devouring your home. Termites are highly destructive, costing Americans five billion dollars annually in property damage. There are over 2,000 types of known termites worldwide, but in Texas, it’s the subterranean type that plagues us. They are the source of 95% of termite damage. This is not surprising when you learn that each colony has about one million members and they stay active 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. So what can termites do?
- They can eat 15 pounds of wood a week
- Destroy foundation timbers
- Damage plumbing
- Eat your furniture, including antiques
- Undermine your deck
- Turn your boat into a snack
- Eat your fence, trees, and lawn furniture
Lonestar Safe Pest may not be active 24-7, but we can do some damage to those termite colonies during our business hours.
The Silent Destroyers
Known as the silent destroyer, termites quietly munch on your home while you go about your daily life. The average colony eats one pound of wood every 24 hours. Within three years serious damage can be done to the integrity of your home. There are countless horror stories about termites. Toilets falling through floors, walls buckling, roofs caving in, and homes being condemned, all due to termite damage. Most of the time the owners say the same thing. “We didn’t even know we had termites.” This is why it is so important to always be watching for signs of termites and to get annual inspections.
What Are The Signs?
Discovering termites early could save you thousands of dollars. It's important to keep on the lookout for the following signs:
- Small holes in walls, woodwork, doors, or molding, accompanied by piles of tiny pellet-looking dust
- Shed wings on windowsills which are a sign that termites have made an appearance
- What looks like a flying ant indoors
- Mud tubes attached to walls, also known as termite highways these pathways allow termites to stay hydrated and protected from the sun and predators
- Hollow-sounding or drooping walls
- Blistering paint
It’s not that difficult to look for these signs if you're looking but often they happen so gradually that they go unnoticed.
Professional Help Saves Money in the Long Run
To give an accurate termite estimate, we need to do a complete onsite inspection of your Dallas home. We will ascertain the level of infestation and explain to you the different treatment options available. Most of the time professional pest control can save you time and money when it comes to termite infestations.
It’s always a good idea to do business with a company that values customer service and that guarantees their work. At Lonestar Safe Pest we aspire to bring our strong work ethic and values with us to every job, including yours. Call for your free termite extermination estimate today.