Termite Identification & Prevention

What are termites?

Termites are unique in the fact that they are one of the few organisms that can digest cellulose because of a special enzyme in their gut. In nature, termites aid in the reduction of decaying wood and other organic debris, releasing nutrients back into the earth that different plants and animals need. The most widespread type of termite living throughout Texas and the rest of the United States is the subterranean termite. These termites create underground nests in the soil and move out of the nest to forage for food. When termites get into homes, these tiny wood-eating insects cause big headaches for home and business owners.

Are termites dangerous?

Listed below are some of the many reasons why termites are dangerous pests:

• Moist soil and water-damaged wood attracts termites, meaning you may also have a moisture issue in or around your structure, in addition to a termite problem.
• Termites are responsible for causing more than five billion dollars in damages across the country each year.
• Termites remain active year-round, working 24/7 to feed their colonies.
• Termite damage is not something covered by most homeowners’ insurance, meaning you will have to pay to repair termite damage on your own.
• Termites damage structural wood and beams, which leads to sagging ceilings and floors, windows and doors that do not work properly, and buckling or splintered wood.

Why do I have a termite problem?

Termites leave their nest daily to gather food to feed their colony, traveling through the ground or the mud tubes they build to protect themselves from the elements and predators. Outside, they feed on things like fallen trees, tree roots, and decaying leaves.

Subterranean termites typically find their way indoors while out foraging for food, moving in through spaces in the foundation, or through the wooden structures on your home that are making direct contact with the soil. Termites will also find their way onto a property during a termite swarm. A termite swarm is when the winged reproductive leave a mature colony to find a mate and create a new colony of their own.

Where will I find termites?

Termites live their lives in their underground nests or inside the wood structures where they are gathering food. You’ll rarely see termites inside a home while they feed on the interior of wooden structures that are below floors and behind walls. They usually attack at ground level, but over time they will move throughout a home and may eventually end up in the ceilings.

How do I get rid of termites?

For Texans looking for exceptional pest control services, turn to the locally owned and operated experts at Lonestar Safe Pest. We take pride in offering our residential and commercial pest control customers excellent customer service; customer satisfaction is our number one goal. Our experienced professionals understand the pest pressures Texas home and business owners face each day.

At Lonestar Safe Pest, we will work with you to eliminate pests from your property once and for all, using our modern pest control solutions. If you would like to learn more about our home pest control or commercial pest control services, reach out to Lonestar Safe Pest today!

How can I prevent termites in the future?

Protect your Texas property from termites with a combination of our professional termite control services and these helpful termite prevention tips:

• Fix leaky pipes, faucets, and fixtures to reduce excess moisture in and around your structure.
• Limit soil to wood contact around your home and on your property.
• Do not overwater your lawn or garden areas.
• Replace mulch with non-organic gardening materials.
• Remove fallen trees, tree stumps, old fences, and old piles of wood from your property.
• Place weatherstripping around windows and doors and keep gutters clear and to prevent rainwater from seeping into the walls of your home.