The most common species of termites found in Texas are Formosan subterranean termites. Termites are roughly ½ an inch long with long oval bodies. They are creamy-white to brown in color, have six legs, and have antennae. In the spring, summer, and fall, winged swarmers may appear near where there are termite nests. Swarmers are one of the telltale signs that Formosan termites are near.
This type of termite is among the most aggressive termites globally and can cause considerable damage to your property in a short period. However, termites aren’t all bad. They can be pretty beneficial to our ecosystem, gobbling up decaying wood and organic matter and turning it back into the soil. Termites are also considered a delicacy in some parts of the world, where they are soaked and then sun-dried to become a crunchy protein-packed snack.
Eight Signs You Might Have A Termite Problem In Your Conroe Home
Unfortunately, termite infestations can often go undetected for some time. During that time, termites are tunneling their way through your home in your walls and compromising the structural integrity of your home. Homeowners should be aware of all signs of a possible termite infestation to stop a problem before it gets too big.
Here are eight signs that you might have a termite problem in your home:
1. Squeaky floorboards can be a sign that something in your home has changed or shifted.
2. Peeling paint that resembles water damage.
3. Mud tubes suddenly appear at the exterior of your home, most often on or near the foundation.
4. Piles of termite feces in and around your home that resemble sawdust.
5. Swarms of winged termites in the spring, summer, and fall.
6. Discarded piles of wings from the swarmers.
7. Wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
8. Crumbling or damaged wood.
Keep in mind that by the time most of these signs are noticeable considerable termite damage has probably already occurred. The best defense is to schedule a termite inspection of your home with Pest & Termite Control each year.
The Dangers Of A Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Termite Extermination
Homeowners may be tempted to try to rid their homes of termites themselves, but this is not advisable. Frequently homeowners will attempt to knock down mud tubes at the exterior of their foundation only to find that the termites merely relocate and rebuild. Other baits and pesticides only work part of the time and contain chemicals that may be harmful to the health of your family and pets if not handled properly.
Completely exterminating a colony of termites is very difficult to do and should only be done by professionals. At Pest & Termite Control, we have trained professionals who know what to look for upon inspection and how to safely and effectively rid your home of termites.
The Best Defense Against Termites Is Always Chase Pest & Termite Control
The first step homeowners in Conroe should take against termite control is to schedule an annual inspection with our pest control experts at Pest & Termite Control. Upon inspection, our professionals will be able to assess your home and whether or not there is a threat of a termite infestation. Let us determine the best course of action for you and take away any worry about termites in your Conroe home.