When we think of dangerous creatures, we tend to think of big, scary things that can do direct harm. However, when it comes to invasive pests, sometimes smaller is scarier. Termites are common pests in Houston but people rarely know they’re there until the damage they’ve done is apparent. By then, total elimination is hard to accomplish. Only by learning more about these wood-boring pests can you hope to spot the early signs of their activity and prevent them from invading in the first place.
Termites: An Overview
Termites are small insects that eat wood fibers. While they form their colonies in the soil, either as mounds or elaborate tunnel networks, they can easily encroach on structures and find footholds on people’s property. They look like "white ants," and that is why some folks mistakenly identify them as ants. They share similar traits and behaviors, like the caste systems they use to divvy up the tasks of survival. The easiest way to tell termites from ants is by their antennae, which aren’t bent like an ant’s.
But you’re not likely to see termites at all, since they spend their entire lives underground or inside the wood of a structure. As such, it’s important to know how to spot the signs of a termite infestation. If you don’t deal with a termite problem early, it can grow to truly hazardous proportions.
Termites Don’t Just Cause Harm To Wood
Most people already know that termites chew through wood, but the scope of termite damage is often misunderstood. As termites chew through walls and floors, they hollow out key structural materials that help keep homes and businesses standing. If left untreated long enough, a termite colony can cause walls to buckle and collapse. Even at best, termite damage can end up being costly to fix, even if it doesn’t amount to a hazard. However, termites also lead to health problems, especially if they’re around for prolonged periods of time. While they aren’t known to transmit diseases, termites can cause or worsen allergies just by being in the same structure as people. So, the answer to the question, “Are termites dangerous?” is a resounding and multifaceted, “Yes!”
Signs Of Termite Activity
Termites aren’t easy to spot. Not only do they stick to areas of pitch darkness, so they aren’t likely to head towards the surface of soils and wood, they are good at concealing the signs of the boring until it’s too late to really prevent them. However, you might notice these other signs of termite activity, which should give you cause to call exterminators immediately:
- Mud tubes: Termites build tubes out of soil and saliva on foundation walls so they can get from the soil to the wood of a home without being exposed to the air.
- Warped woods: As interior wood gets chewed through, surface woods respond accordingly by buckling or bulging. If you notice drooping wall panels or bulging floorboards, act fast.
- Windows & doors: Another thing that can happen when structural wood gets altered is that windows and doors suddenly stick or fit tightly in their frames.
- Clicking: This one’s nearly impossible to actually pick up on since you’re not likely to be in the right place or time to hear it. However, some people have heard the faint clicking noises of soldier termites knocking their heads against wood to warn of danger.
Contact Exterminators Right Away
Because the damage they cause can be costly and dangerous, it’s important to go with what works when it comes to termite control. Rather than trying to get rid of them on your own and fussing about all the things that might keep them out, turn directly to the experts. At White Knight Pest Control, our solutions are guaranteed to eliminate termite colonies quickly. To help ensure that we do, let us get started today on an inspection of your home. Even if we don’t find termites or signs of their activity, we can take steps to make sure they are never a problem in the future.
For superior protection from termites in Houston, contact White Knight Pest Control today.