Do you think you have termites in your house? That's why you should call the experts!
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Termites may be unusual, but they are ubiquitous in many Townsville homes. You can find more information about these pests on this page here. They can do a lot more damage than most pests, and it can weaken the entire foundation of the house. They chop and feed on wood and can damage the structural integrity of ceilings and walls. They can even get into wallpaper and wooden floors if you're not careful. The problem for many homeowners is that they usually don't see a termite infestation until it's too late. These pests usually live in a tunnel that they have made underground or within the walls. They wanted to be as inconspicuous as possible.
The two types of termites
There are two types of termites to be aware of: drywood and underground. They have their own drawbacks and challenges that homeowners should be aware of.
The underground varieties are often found in living materials. They are the ones that form large colonies underground, and there are usually mud tubes for added moisture. They will make their way from one place to another through these mud tubes. They often travel from the food source to their colonies. You can build an underground tunnel that is more than thirty meters long and at the same time feeds on wood on the way down.
The drywood termites are much harder to find. They are very common in the southwest or southeast. They have a different body and biology type that allows them to infest the house without the need for the floor. You will build a house out of wooden furniture without building underground tunnels. Termites love wood, so they are often found in walls and house structures that are in contact with the ground.
Signs of infestation
These silent assassins usually break into your home without being detected. They will know until it is too late and they have reproduced a lot. The good news, however, is that some tell-tale signs will help you determine whether or not you have them in your home.
Damage to wooden furniture or structure: You can find that the wood that is part of the foundation of your home has holes in it. This can be the first sign of the pests as they like to eat the inside and outside of the wood. If you knock on the walls and they sound hollow, you may have some rotting structure around you and this can be a giveaway for termite problems.
Visible mud hoses
The underground mites require a lot of moisture as they travel to and from their food source and colonies. The mud hoses are usually located outside your home, in the basements, or in the crawl space.
Eat
The shavings or powdered dust can be tell-tale signs that you have an infestation to battle. As the wood is eaten, some of the powder usually falls on bedding and other furniture. It is therefore better to check with the exterminators while it is still early.
Swarms
The winged and young female mites can often be mistaken for flying beetles. If you see some ant-like and black beetles crawling around your house, or if you see some discarded wings, it is better to check the wood areas of your house to see if there are more of them.
How to kill the termites?
It is not easy for many homeowners to eradicate the termites on their own. Most of them will be dealing with a large infestation that is harder to control. Because of this, they should call an experienced professional and try services like Termites Gone's Termite Control to better handle the situation. The experts will also give you tips on how to prevent the same problem from spiraling out of control in the future.
The spread of the infestation urgently requires the help of professionals. You can take a bespoke approach to treating the pests, and the solutions they spray are safe for both humans and pets. They also know the right amount for watering and use bait systems or fumigation techniques if necessary.
About liquid termiticides
Barrier treatments are specifically designed to prevent pests from getting into your property. The common termiticides are supposed to reduce the soil moisture that the mites normally need to survive.
When you choose liquid solutions, they can deliver instant, faster results. Apply them directly to the infected area. If possible, you can also drill on concrete slabs. Establishing an effective barrier is a challenge for many homeowners. So better to call the professionals when you join this project.
What you can do around the house
- Get mulch and place it at least 15 inches from the foundation of the property.
- Seal any cracks and holes that may be entry points for the pests.
- Keep firewood at least 25 feet from the house or floor.
- Check the door frames, wooden exterior structures, baseboards and windows for changes in shape.
- Divert rainwater and sources of moisture away from your home. The termites need a lot of moisture to thrive and survive, so proper drainage is a must. Check your downspouts and gutters and make sure they are directing water away from your home's basements and foundations. The air conditioning condensation piping should also be checked and properly routed away from the house.
- Make sure the crawl spaces, basements, and attics are well ventilated.
- Pay attention to the mud hoses. If you find them finding their way around your house, destroy them and call a professional if necessary.
When do you call for help from a professional?
When you bring in the expert exterminators you can be confident that they will employ a wide range of tools, techniques, and skills to eliminate the existence of termites in your home. Read more about destruction processes here. You will perform treatments based on the severity of the infestation.
You will likely be using chemical barriers for underground mites and liquid solutions for dry wood termites. The professionals are preventing these pests from entering your Townsville home and wiping out the entire colony so you can have peace of mind.
