Termites are devastating pests and an infestation can cause damage that is expensive to repair. When a homeowner first discovers that they have termites swarming their home or shed there can be panic and worry. Often, they don’t know what to do or how to treat this problem. This panic can lead to poor decisions and ineffective DIY treatments.

So, what is a homeowner to do when they discover that those destructive pests have moved in?

Educate Yourself

It is important to know the signs of termites so you don’t miss the early signs of infestation.  Many times, the homeowners don’t catch an infestation until it has become a severe problem. That is why knowing the signs as well as how to prevent termites in the first place is imperative for homeowners.

Here are some signs to keep an eye out for.

Mud Tubes

These are tell-tale signs of termites. If you see even one mud tube you need to contact the professionals at DM Pest Control immediately for an assessment and quote.

Hollow Wood

Termites consume wood so if you are finding hollow wood when it shouldn’t be hollow then that is a sign of active termites. This sign is easy to ignore but doesn’t. It is an early warning sign of a bigger problem.

Discarded Wings

Termites are winged pests and they discard their wings as they grow or die. If you are seeing wings laying around in your home or your shed then call the professionals to come to a complete assessment. If you catch the infestation early, it will be easier and less expensive to treat.

Prevention

Prevention is equally as important as early warning sign knowledge. Here are some things you can do to help keep termites away.

Keep Wood Away

The number one mistake homeowners make when it comes to termite prevention is not keeping wood away from their home or structure. Wood that is piled up (such as firewood) near your home will attract termites. This also goes for trees that are growing too close. Keep any low-hanging branches trimmed and make sure debris is cleared away.

Seal Cracks

If there are cracks, even small ones, they need to be sealed promptly. Termites love to squeeze into tight spaces to find their next meal, the frame of your house. If termites infiltrate the frame of your home, the treatment becomes harder and more invasive. This could mean your family would need to move out while your home is being fumigated.

Keep Foundation Exposed

If you can’t see the foundation of your home then it will be hard to tell if there is a termite problem starting. Often the small cracks they sneak through are near the foundation. If it is covered by dirt, branches, or other anything else then it will be easy for the termites to hide their activity. Always keep the foundation slightly exposed.

What To Do If You Suspect an Infestation

If you suspect that there is a termite problem or if you know you have a termite problem you need to contact your local professional at DM Pest Control. The DIY treatments you find at your local home improvement store will not be fully effective on a termite infestation.

If you are in the Leander or Round Rock, TX area call DM Pest Control today for a free quote.