Termites might take years to inflict significant damage on man-made structures. Still, their elusive behavior makes an infestation difficult to detect, making reliable pest control in Denton crucial to keeping your home safe. Springtime is termite swarming season, so if you haven't learned how to prevent termites, it might be time to start researching. We'll tell you everything you need to know about what attracts termites, how termites get into your home, and the best termite treatment in Denton.
What Are Termites?
Often mistaken for ants on the rare instances that they're seen outside their galleries and nests, termites are tiny insects that feed on dead, decaying wood, and other cellulose-rich material. Workers and soldiers typically only reach 1/8 to ¼ of an inch in length, whereas queens can grow up to one inch long, and swarmers (reproductive termites) are roughly ½ of an inch long with wings that are twice the size of their bodies. Workers are off-white, soldiers have large, bulbous heads that are dark tan to brown, and swarmers are dark brown to black. Some species will live within the wood they consume, but the most common termite species in Denton is the subterranean termite, which nests exclusively underground.
How Termites Get Into Denton Homes
It doesn't have to be swarming season for termites to infest, but it is more likely.
If there's a sizable enough nest near your property, though, termites can get into your home one of two ways:
- Swarming Season – from February to May, and even into the fall, matured reproductive termites take flight in search of mates and new nesting grounds. The majority of them will get eaten, but those who survive will shed their wings, burrow deep into the ground near a food source, and begin building their colonies. Early detection of this kind of termite infestation includes finding shed wings around door frames, window frames, and around the foundation of your property.
- Colony Branching – when nests get big enough, they split and branch out to find new food sources. Termites will travel underground to find a new nesting spot, then build mud tubes to their newfound food sources. Early detection can include spotting their mud tubes, but termites will also slip through the cracks of a deteriorating foundation, making early detection impossible.
Why Termites Invade Denton Homes
Termites are attracted to high levels of moisture and decaying wood, so homes struggling with moisture damage are much more susceptible to an infestation.
With the help of our pest technicians at Mayco Pest & Termite Control, coupled with implementing a few precautions on your own, you should be able to prevent termites with ease:
- Make sure your lawn and gardens have well-draining soil
- Try not to over-water your garden areas
- Keep firewood stored well away from the exterior of your home
- Repair any cracks and deterioration in the foundation of your property
- Cover up any exposed wood around the exterior of your home, especially near the foundation
- Address any moisture problems inside your home – leaky pipes, damaged shingles, and invest in a dehumidifier for moisture-retaining rooms
- Turn off porch lights as soon as possible after sunset
How To Completely Get Rid Of Termites
Termites are elusive and resilient pests, and attempting to eliminate them on your own could lead to even worse termite problems. If you're struggling with termites in your home, it's always recommended that you find a reliable pest control company, and our experts at Mayco Pest & Termite Control provide the best termite treatments in Denton. We have an array of affordable termite treatment options for you to choose from, we always use the highest quality pest control products on the market, and we treat each customer like our own family. Don't let termites eat you out of your house and home, get in contact with us today to discuss your options.