Hearing that you may have termites can be scary for any homeowner. These little bugs may be tiny, but they can still cause a substantial amount of damage to your home if you don't act quickly enough.
If you think you are seeing termites around your home, Gecko Pest Control can help ensure they don't take over your property. We have been providing termite-focused pest control in Longview for over 20 years. When it comes to termite infestations, there isn't anything that we haven't seen before. We can answer any question that you may have about termites in this area.
What Are The Signs Of A Termite Infestation?
Eastern subterranean termites are the most common types of termites in Longview. The worker termites usually have off-white colored bodies and are about ? of an inch long. However, they usually spend most of their time inside the wood they infest or their nests, so if they are on your property, you probably won't see them.
The termites you are most likely to see are the swarmer termites, also known as alates. These termites usually have dark bodies and long, white wings. They will swarm around homes and other properties during the spring and summer to look for a place to live.
If you see termites near your home, it is a good indication that you have a termite infestation somewhere nearby. However, even if you don't spot an actual termite, there are still a few signs of termites that you can look for, which include:
- Blistered wood
- Soft or brittle spots on your wooden surfaces
- Wood that sounds hollow when you tap it
- Bubbling or peeling paint
The eastern subterranean termites will build their nest underground. In order to safely travel from their nest to a viable food source, they will build long and thin mud tubes. You can usually find mud tubes around the exterior of your home if you have an infestation.
Is Termite Damage A Big Deal?
Termites will eat away at the dead wood that is found in your home and other structures on your property. If you have a large colony on your property, the termites may be able to consume around five grams of wood a day. Over time, this can cause damage to your home. Usually, it takes a few years before you start to see any significant damage. However, because these tiny insects are able to stay out of sight for long periods of time, you may have termites on your property for several months or even years before you realize that they are there.
How Can I Prevent Termites On My Property?
Termites like warm and moist areas. One of the best ways to keep termites away from your home is to fix any moisture problems that you may have around your house. Fix any leaky water spouts or pipes as soon as possible. You should also check that your gutter system is working properly and that it is able to drain water away from your home. It's also a good idea to eliminate any areas where wood comes into contact with the soil around your home. These areas provide easy access for termites traveling from underground nests.
What's The Most Effective Termite Control In Longview?
Termites are some of the most difficult types of pests to get rid of on your own. If you want to quickly eliminate all termites from your Longview property, give our termite control team a call today. At Gecko Pest Control, we know how to get rid of these pesky and destructive bugs for good. Contact us today to schedule your free inspection, and don't forget to ask about our pest-free guarantee services.