Termites may be small, but they are incredibly destructive. The bigger the horde of termites, the greater the damage to the wood that makes up the structure and other features of your home. Finding termite damage is frustrating, and things will only get worse when you realize the out-of-pocket expense—it will cost money to replace damaged wood, bring in a contractor to install the new wood and hire an exterminator to get rid of the termites.
Once the issue is resolved, the key to avoiding another infestation is practicing effective termite control. With the right knowledge and a keen eye, termite prevention in Bartlesville, OK is possible. Below is some further information and a list of the best home defense tips to prevent a termite infestation.
Identifying termites in your home
Termites and flying ants may have a very similar appearance, but termites are the more destructive insects. As such, you must perform a thorough check of the pests in your home so you know what kind of infestation you’re dealing with. Start by looking at the body—a termite has a ribbed abdomen that’s one thick piece, meaning it’s missing a waist. It has two pairs of vein-filled wings, which are equal in length and twice the length of its body. A termite’s antennae are straight and short, with no eyes.
Termite prevention
Luckily, there’s a lot you can do to protect your home against terminate infestations and keep money in your wallet. Your first order of business should be to remove their lifeline: water. Since moisture attracts termite colonies, you need to take steps to eliminate damp areas around your house and property:
- Dryness is key. Inspect indoor and outdoor plumbing for leaks. Look for standing moisture under sink cabinets, on the ground near the air conditioning unit and around exterior faucets.
- Don’t stack firewood against your house, and remove old tree stumps from your yard.
- Keep up with regular preventative maintenance tasks. Clear out rain gutters, book annual termite inspections, check for dry rot on wood features and seal up cracks and other openings into your house.
- Make sure there’s at least six inches of space between wooden porches and decks and the ground. If the wood must touch the ground, pretreat the wood first.
Preventing damage caused by termites
Termite control requires preventing them from accessing your home and seeking treatment for known termite infestations. There are a few ways to deal with a termite problem, from DIY pest control options to hiring a professional for termite removal and remediation services.
Whatever route you choose, it’s a good idea to schedule annual termite inspections with a qualified expert. Professionals are trained to locate termite damage and spot the signs of an infestation. A pest control technician can identify a true termite problem within your home, as well as help you choose the right termite treatment and set up a pest monitoring system for your home.
If you think you need professional termite extermination in Bartlesville, OK, don’t hesitate to contact Excellence Pest Control. Call us today to schedule an appointment.