Why Should I Be Concerned About Termites in My Home?

Termites are one of the most destructive pests you can encounter in your home. Known as "silent destroyers," these insects feed on wood, and their feasting often causes significant structural damage. However, this damage occurs without any immediate signs, so that by the time termites are discovered, they may have already compromised the safety and stability of your home. Fortunately, Mosquito Squad can help.

Why Do Termite Infestations Need Prompt Attention?

Termites may not be as constantly irritating as mosquitoes or the other pests we deal with at Mosquito Squad, but the damage they cause can be much worse. Unlike other pests, termites work silently and persistently, as they chew through wood, drywall, and even flooring. The longer the infestation goes unnoticed, the more destruction it causes.

They must be dealt with quickly because termites reproduce rapidly. Once they’ve established a colony in your home, they can grow their numbers exponentially. As they feed, they hollow out wooden structures, which can eventually result in costly repairs or even unsafe living conditions. There are even some species of termites that build extensive networks of tunnels underground, so it’s much more difficult to detect the infestation early.

People who have acted too late to deal with termites have paid for it in a big way – not only because the safety of their home has been compromised, but because the financial impact can be huge. Homeowners across the United States spend billions of dollars annually on termite-related repairs and prevention. A single unnoticed infestation could cost thousands to fix. 

What Attracts Termites?

Termites are primarily attracted to homes where it’s easiest to find their three basic needs: food, moisture, and shelter. Some homes provide this more than others. If your home has any of the following, you may be at more risk for infestation.

• Moisture: Termites thrive in moist environments. Leaking pipes, clogged gutters, or poor drainage around the home can create the perfect damp conditions for termites to settle in.
• Wood-to-Soil Contact: Termites enter homes by traveling through the soil and into wooden structures that directly touch the ground. Decks, wooden fences, and crawl spaces that are in contact with soil make it easy for termites to move in.
• Cracks in Foundation: Even small cracks in your home’s foundation or walls are ideal entry points for termites. Once inside, they build colonies in walls, attics, or basements.
• Mulch and Firewood: Storing firewood near the house or using mulch in gardens creates ideal feeding grounds for termites. Both materials are a direct food source and provide them with easy access to your home.

Common Signs of Termite Infestation

Since termites work silently, they are often difficult to detect until extensive damage has already been done. However, there are several common indicators you can watch for:

• Mud Tubes: These pencil-thin tunnels made of mud are used by termites to travel from their colony to their food source. You’ll typically find them along the exterior foundation walls of your home.
• Hollow-Sounding Wood: If you tap on wooden structures and hear a hollow sound, this could be a sign that termites have eaten through the inside of the wood.
• Discarded Wings: After termites swarm to start new colonies, they shed their wings. Finding piles of wings near windows or doorways is a common sign of termite activity.
• Wood Damage: If you notice blistered or damaged wood in your home, termites may be the cause. They usually eat wood from the inside out, so damage may not be immediately visible.
• Frass (Termite Droppings): Termite droppings, or frass, look like tiny wood-colored pellets. If you see small piles of these pellets, it may indicate a drywood termite infestation.

What Should I Do If I Am Concerned About a Termite Infestation?

If you suspect a termite infestation or want to prevent one from happening, call a professional immediately. Termites cause damage quickly, so even a small delay can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs. A professional pest control service like Mosquito Squad can assess your home to confirm the presence of termites.

Mosquito Squad now offers termite treatment as an add-on pest control. Our approach includes the same powerful approach that helps with so many other pests, namely, our signature barrier treatment. These treatments involve the use of specialized chemicals similar to those used in our mosquito and tick control services but are tailored for termites. Our barrier treatments work by creating a protective zone around your home. This helps stop termites from tunneling into your property while also targeting active infestations inside the structure. 

Help Protect Your Home from Termites and More with Mosquito Squad

If you’re concerned about termites in your home, contact Mosquito Squad today. Just call us (405) 792-0230 or fill out our online contact form!