Termite Identification & Prevention
What are termites?
Termites are wood-destroying pests that look like ants but are larger and much more destructive. They're about 1/8 to 1 inch long, and they vary in color from white to brown to black, depending on their life stage. Their bodies consist of two segments, and their abdomen is straight. They have antennae and six legs.
Where do termites live?
Termites set up colonies near sources of wood for easy access to food. They tunnel into, and nest inside of wood and can quickly develop multiple infestation sites on your property in Granbury, TX.
Are termites dangerous?
Termites are known as the "silent destroyers" of the pest world, eating their way into the core of your property and threatening its structural integrity from the inside out. Termites breed in large numbers, and they can grow their colonies to spread throughout your structure. One colony can contain thousands upon thousands of termites. Termites cause large-scale property damage that can cost you millions of dollars in repairs.
Financially speaking, termite damage is very costly, especially considering most homeowners' insurance doesn't cover it. The NPMA (National Pest Management Association) estimates that U.S. property owners spend around five billion dollars every single year on termite damage repair and prevention costs.
What do termites eat?
Termites feed on cellulose, which includes wood, plaster, and other structural materials that make up the construction of your home. They eat away at moisture-damaged wood around your property, seriously threatening the structural integrity of your property, making it an unsafe environment.
Why Choose Wise/Chem Safe Pest Control?
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Wise / Chem is trusted by over 300 local businesses to protect their property and customers from unwelcome pests.
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With over 35 years experience, Wise / Chem has the knowledge to identify, treat, and prevent common pest problems!
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Over 1,000 homeowners in Granbury and the surrounding areas trust Wise / Chem to protect their homes!
How Do I Know if I Have a Termite Problem?
There are some common signs to be on the lookout for when it comes to termite activity. Here are some indications to pay attention to:
- Ceilings and walls that buckle
- Common signs of water damage
- Crumbling windowsills and loose tiles
- Damp, damaged, or weakened wood
- Excessively squeaky/noisy floors
- Frass left around the property
- Gallery tunnels through drywall
- Hollow sounding wood when tapped upon
- Mud tubes in the ground that travel to openings along your foundation
- Painted walls that bubble and peel
- Small tapping sounds from inside the walls
- Swarmer termites flying around looking for nesting spots
- Visible cracks and crevices along the foundation
- Windows and doors that are hard to open
- Wings discarded on the floor near doors and windows
- Worker termites in the soil that look like white ants
If you think there are termites on our property, it's important to act fast. Being proactive in your prevention efforts is a great way to approach your termite control needs head-on.
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The tech came out a few hours after I called. He took time to understand my pest issue and gave a good recommendation on how to handle it. He finished up in about 15 minutes and I haven't had any more pest issues in the specified area ever since!
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"Very thorough!"
They are very thorough & always on time or early. Alan Webb is a delight to work with. He's always so upbeat & happy. It's a pleasure getting to see him. Ryan is also a very thorough worker & we love the jobs they both do. I've never had a prob
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"Super great guy!"
Chris is a great guy, very professional, helpful and friendly. He took all the time to answer the questions I had about our mole problem and explained the process and hopeful outcome.
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"Couldn't live without this company!"
My family could not live without our pest control treatments. We never have an issue with bugs anymore. My kids can play freely in the yard. It’s a relief to not have to worry about things like bugs.
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"Great service. Have been using them for years now no bugs no complaints."
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How Can I Protect My Property From Termites?
If you want to take action in protecting your property from termites, here are some preventative tips you can implement around the interior and exterior of your home:
- Apply loose mortar or weatherstripping around doors and windows.
- Avoid any wood-to-soil contact throughout the property.
- Divert water from the house by maintaining functional gutters.
- Eliminate excess moisture around the property.
- Examine any wood or wooden items brought onto your property.
- Fix downspouts to extend further away from the house.
- Get rid of any rotting or moisture-damaged wood.
- Grow indoor plants that are known for absorbing humidity.
- Install vent fans in moisture-rich areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
- Keep outdoor lights turned off at night, as termites are drawn to light sources.
- Make sure your soil is well-drained to reduce moisture.
- Monitor mulch distribution as mulch contains moisture.
- Place woodpiles and wooden structures a good distance from the house.
- Repair leaky pipes, faulty faucets, and plumbing issues.
- Service your HVAC unit on a regular basis to control moisture levels.
- Use a dehumidifier in moisture-rich areas inside the house.
Trusted Solutions For All Of Your Termite Problems
While these tips can help, the safest and most effective way to control termites around your home is to seek professional pest protection. If you see any signs of termites, don't waste any time or money, and do what's best; come straight to the pest professionals at Wise/Chem Safe Pest Control. Reach out to us today to learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control options.