It’s no secret that termites are an extremely destructive pest problem. Of all the pests that can destroy property, including rodents and some ant species, termites are probably the worst. This is because their infestations often go unnoticed for long periods of time allowing them to damage wooden structures throughout your property. The average homeowner will spend around $3,000 to repair termite damage once they get an infestation.
Termites are also an extremely difficult pest problem to remove, so it’s important to know how to prevent termite infestations as well as how to identify them. This guide contains all the basic information you need to protect your Tulsa home.
To start with, you need to know what termites look like. (Keep in mind that seeing termites isn’t usually the first sign of an infestation as these pests often live inside walls, in attics, or under flooring where you’re unlikely to see them.) However, there is still a chance you’ll encounter them. The worker and soldier termites are a cream to tan color and don’t have wings while the termite swarmers look like flying ants with wings and dark brown to black bodies. These termite swarmers are responsible for reproduction, so they will leave the colony to start new ones making them more likely to be seen.
Five Signs Of Termites
While there’s a chance you could see termite swarmers, especially during spring and summer months, there are other signs of an infestation you’re more likely to notice first. Being aware of these common signs can help you locate termites early on to reduce the amount of damage they inflict.
Here are the five signs to be on the lookout for:
- A soft clicking sound that comes from the inside of the walls.
- Doors and windows that are suddenly fitting too tightly in their frames.
- Floorboards that have started to buckle or squeak when walked on.
- Finding piles of small pellets near walls and other wooden structures. This substance is known as frass and is actually termite droppings.
- Water damage around the home.
Some Effective Ways To Prevent Termites
If you haven’t noticed any termite infestation signs, it’s a great time to focus on prevention. The best way to save money and keep termites in Tulsa out of your home is by keeping them out in the first place. Here are some simple tips you can implement:
- Install a barrier between your home’s foundation and the soil.
- Reduce moisture content around the house by fixing leaky plumbing and throwing away any water damaged wood.
- Keep firewood stacked in a dry area at least 30 feet away from the building.
- Seek help from pest control experts.
What Should You Do If You Have Termites?
If you’ve noticed any of the signs mentioned in this article, there’s a good chance that you have termites. Trying to remove them on your own is a losing game that will cost you time, stress, and money with little success. So, instead of losing precious resources on ineffective DIY termite removal, contact the experts at Montgomery Exterminating.
We are a family-owned and operated business with over 25 years of experience. Our termite control methods include using the Sentricon System to eliminate termites in an eco-friendly and effective manner. Learn more about our residential pest control plans by giving us a call at (918) 218-2221. We even offer free inspections.
