Unfortunately, many insects and other creatures can do some form of harm to humans. For example, mosquitoes can transmit diseases because they go from animals to humans, sucking their blood. Mice can destroy buildings as they file their ever-growing teeth on walls and wires. Termites too have a reputation for wrecking homes and businesses.
Termites cost Americans billions of dollars in damage and prevention expenses each year. About five billion dollars to be exact. Part of why the amount is so high is because insurance companies usually do not cover termite damage. Considering this, being proactive about termite prevention in Sacramento is pertinent. Learn about the key signs and how to ward these bugs off with Neighborly Pest Management’s help.
What Do Termites Look Like? What Are Infestation Signs?
Before you can effectively avoid termites, you have to understand what you’re facing. Termite colonies have three subgroups: workers, soldiers, and swarmers. The first two stay inside of walls. Workers are the largest of the bunch and create all of the damage. Their white or grayish-white bodies are a small ⅛ of an inch long. Soldiers aren’t much bigger. They have yellow-brown heads that are rectangular. As their name suggests, they defend their fellow termites with their sharp jaws. Swarmers are the only ones you will see, and they are a primary sign of infestation.
Swarmers are ½ of an inch long. Their brown, black, or yellow bodies are outlined by fish scale-like wings. When spring comes around and/or the termite nest is full, these critters will fly off to mate and build new homes. Exit points may be in foundation voids and cracks. By light sources, such as lamps and windows, are where you’ll catch them.
Be on the lookout for these indications too:
- Drywall that begins to sag or be discolored
- Walls that have lots of needle-point holes, mud tubes, and maze patterns in them
- Weakened or flimsy tiles and floorboards
- Paint that appears spoiled by water
- Scathed or hollow wood
- Scattered swarmer wings
- Tight-fitting doors and windows
How Can Termites Be Prevented?
As you might have concluded by now, stopping termites in their tracks will involve paying close attention to the structural quality of your property. It will also require being vigilant about your lawn care and exterior maintenance:
- Pieces of wood that are impaired, rotting, or softened by liquid need to be repaired or removed.
- Fix leaks and anything causing wood to be damp.
- Gaps in walls, foundations, utility lines, and caulk need to be sealed.
- Vents and gutters need to be cleaned with regularity; outdoor vents should have screens.
- Stored wood should be away from the property and kept off of the soil.
- Greenery should be routinely groomed and distanced from exterior doors.
What Can Neighborly Pest Management Do About Termites?
The best way to protect your Sacramento home or business from termites is to contact Neighborly Pest Management. These wood-eating critters are insidious. They stay out of sight and reproduce very quickly. Most residents won’t realize they have an issue until the problem is a massive one. Making matters worse is the fact that retail pesticides and “do-it-yourself” methods fail because they don’t reach the core of an infestation.
You’ll stay above the fray with our offerings. We have both pre-construction and extermination treatments. We’ll drill in termite activity areas, and apply a barrier-setting termiticide. Don’t worry; it will be safe for humans and won’t negatively affect your soil. All of our services for these bugs come with warranties. Guard what’s yours. Call us today! Get started with a free inspection.