May 30, 2023
Termites are destructive and invasive insects. These small bugs have been around for more than 120 million years and have become experts at avoiding detection. These insects are less than half an inch long but can cause millions of dollars in property damage every year. The main reason why termites can be so destructive is that they live and eat in large groups. One termite colony can have over 500,000 termites in it that are ready to chew their way through the wooden surfaces of your home.
At Montgomery Exterminating, our Owasso pest control team knows how to save your home from these bothersome bugs. Termites can be resilient and sneaky, which makes them challenging. If you are ready to finally get rid of termites from your property once and for all, we know just how to help.
What Are Termites?
Termites are a type of insect that commonly get mistaken for ants. However, these two animals have unique characteristics that allow you to tell them apart easily. Some of the many differences between these two animals include the following:
- Termites are about twice as large as ants
- Ants’ bodies are segmented, and termites tend to have straight bodies
- Ants have two bent antennae, and termites’ antennae are usually straight
There are certain ants and termites that have wings. When they are in flight, it may be difficult to tell them apart. However, if you look closely, you will see that termites have two sets of wings that are the same size, but an ant’s front wings are longer than its back wings.
Unlike ants, termites are detrivores, which means that their diet consists solely of decomposing plant material. You won’t find termites eating cookies or other sugary snacks inside your home. Instead, they mainly eat dead and moist wood.
What Are The Signs Of A Termite Infestation?
Subterranean termites are the most common type of termite found in Oklahoma. When it comes to staying out of sight, this termite species is an expert on the subject. They spend most of their time in their underground nests. If they want to leave their nest to go to a food source, they will build long tubes out of mud and chewed-up wood material and use them as a way to safely travel from their home to your home or other wooden structure.
If you have subterranean termites around your property, some of the signs that you might notice could include:
- Mud tubes are usually found in the exterior walls of your home or outdoor storage building
- Soft or brittle wood
- Uneven paint
- Discarded swarmer wings
- Hollow wooden surfaces
Termites need plenty of moisture to survive. If they can tunnel through your home, they will bring moisture inside with them. This could cause your door or window sills to warp. If you notice that your windows are suddenly getting stuck or your doors are difficult to open or close, you should have your home inspected for termites.
Can I Get Rid Of Termites Myself?
If you are not experienced in termite control, it can be exceptionally difficult to locate and eliminate all termites on your property. Termites can embed deep inside wooden surfaces and live several feet under the ground. They are rarely seen on the surface of the ground. Because it can be almost impossible for an untrained homeowner to determine how severe a termite infestation might be, they cannot treat the entire problem. And when treating a termite infestation, you must eradicate all termites at every stage of life. If you leave even a few termites behind, your problem will come back and could be even worse than it was before.
What’s The Best Way To Get Rid Of Termites In My Home?
The best way to completely get rid of termites around your home is to have a professional inspect and treat your Owasso property. At Montgomery Exterminating, our experienced team will come to your home and perform a thorough inspection. We will not only find and eliminate the termites from your property but will also discover the reason why termites choose your home in the first place. Then, we will develop a customized prevention plan that will keep the termites from coming back anytime soon. Give us a call today to get your free quote!
