Termite problems plague homeowners in all fifty states, but it seems like OKC residents incur more termite problems than most. You might be well-aware of the damage that termites can do to your property. Did you know that there are ways you could avoid an infestation? Once you learn how to spot an infestation or avoid one in the first place, you might discover the trick to eliminating termite problems for good.
Seeing The Signs Early
One of the most common misconceptions about termites is that they only invade houses during the warmer months. While it’s true that termites create new colonies in the summer months, they actually work all year long… not to mention all day and all night.
It can be very hard to spot worker termites eating the wooden portions of your home’s foundation, which is why termites can work for years inside your house before you notice the damage. By then, you’ll have joined the 600,000 other homeowners across America that incur thousands of dollars in termite damage each year.
Fortunately, it takes termites 18-24 months to do this kind of damage, so if you can spot an infestation early, you might be able to get rid of them before the damage becomes severe.
The first thing you should look for on your property is a group of swarmers during the summer. These winged termites in charge or recolonization will fly around in large groups near the light fixtures around your house. However, they will only do this on a warm day after a few days of rain, so recolonization is usually reserved for the spring or summer. Along with swarmers, other signs you might be able to notice are:
- mud tubes at the bottom of your outdoor walls
- tightening around doors and windows
- clicking noises within the walls
If you notice any of these signs, call professional help immediately to avoid costly damage. Trying to get rid of termites yourself usually leads to continued termite activity in other areas of the house, resulting in the need for expensive repairs.
Preventing Termite Activity Before It Starts
While you might not be able to eradicate termites on your own, there are a lot of things you can do to limit your chances of an infestation. Most of these activities involve moisture control and lawn maintenance.
Since termites love to feed on moist, rotting wood and live in damp soil, controlling moisture issues in and around your house is essential for limiting termite attraction. Some ways to do this include:
- Utilizing a dehumidifier in poorly ventilated areas, like crawl spaces and basements
- Employing a proper gutter and downspout system to expel rainwater away from the sides of the house
- Monitoring your pipes for even the smallest leaks
Along with moisture control inside the house, proper lawn care can help moisture distribute evenly in the yard. It will also reduce clutter such as leaves and sticks that can attract termites. Storing firewood away from your home (and off of the ground) is another essential lawn care deterrent. Creating a buffer around the house of pine straw, gravel, or rubber mulch can limit your chances of an infestation as well.
Even though all these methods can help you limit your chances of a termite infestation, there is no such thing as guaranteed do-it-yourself termite prevention. The best termite prevention and control comes with professional assistance. Call Thunder Pest Control for the guaranteed termite solutions you need to avoid costly damage. We are here to help.
