Despite being one of the few pests that don’t actually pose a direct threat to human health, termites are still one of the worst types of pests to invade your home. While your physical health may not be affected, your safety could be. If left undetected for too long, active termites can cost you thousands of dollars in damage repair at best, and at worst, they can completely compromise the structural integrity of your home. Read on to learn more about how to spot the signs of termites and how Mountain West Pest Control is prepared to provide you with the most comprehensive pest control in Ogden!
The Life Cycle Of A Termite Colony
Both dry wood termites and subterranean termites have a very unique ability that makes them different from any other pest, and this uniqueness lies within their life cycle.
Below are the three stages a termite colony will go through when they invade your home:
- Eggs: Like most insects, life begins in an egg. Termite eggs are not exclusively laid by a queen, but most are. They are small and white in color.
- Nymph: When the termite eggs hatch, the larvae that emerge are called ‘nymphs,’ and they continue to grow from there. As they grow, they will molt and shed their skins, which you can sometimes spot if you’re keeping an eye out.
- Castes: Both dry wood termites and subterranean termites have different castes within their colonies. Depending on what the colony needs more of to survive, the individual termites will continue to evolve and grow into the needed role, including reproductive roles.
This is one reason why professional termite control is so important. Even if you manage to kill most of the active termites, if there are any hiding, they can evolve to reproduce and continue the infestation. Get ahead of these pests and schedule a termite inspection with Mountain West Pest Control today!
How To Spot Signs Of Termite Damage Around Your Property
It can be difficult to spot the signs of termites, which is another reason it’s good to have a professional come out and perform a termite inspection.
Regardless, there are several things you should be on the lookout for when it comes to termite damage:
- Creaking floorboards: This is one of the first signs you’ll notice. If you begin to notice that your floorboards are excessively squeaky, it could be because of the termites.
- Hollow sounds: If your boards are creaky, they’ll also likely be hollow. Tap on your wooden floorboards and beams. If they have a hollow sound, this is evidence of termites, and you should call a professional immediately.
- Mud tubes: Thin, pencil-sized tubes of mud outside your home are a sign of subterranean termites. One end of the tube will be attached to your home, and the other end will be up against a food source, likely organic debris in your yard.
- Serpentine Galleries: If there are hollow, serpentine galleries in any of your wooden beams, this is the ultimate evidence of termites. These are their tunnels, and seeing this means your case is severe.
At Mountain West Pest Control, our technicians are trained to spot signs of termites long before they’ve had time to do any real damage. Don’t take the risk -- reach out today to get ahead of these destructive insects!
How To Remove Factors From Your Property That Attract Termites
The good news is that there are simple things every Odgen homeowner can do to prevent termites from drilling holes into the structure of their home.
Below are some easy prevention tips you can implement today:
- Maintain your yard. Start by regularly clearing out the organic debris in your yard. Termite infestations usually start with a colony invading stumps and logs, and then eventually move closer to your house.
- Store firewood away from the house. If you must store firewood, try keeping it further away from your home and other wooden structures you have on your property.
- Paint your porch. If you have wooden porches and railings, paint them, as this can help repel termites.
The pest control professionals at Mountain West Pest Control will pinpoint the exact attractants and entryways around your home to ensure all access areas to your house are sealed off. You never have to experience having termites in your home -- call to get a trained set of eyes to come to take a look at your property today!
Call The Pros For Total Termite Control For Your Property
Finding termites in your home is no joke. No one wants their home to be destroyed by insects, especially when the situation is so preventable. At Mountain West Pest Control, our treatments are tough on the termites, but safe for you, your family, and your pets, as well as fully guaranteed. Let’s work together to keep your home safe and secure -- contact us today!