Here in Texas, we have plenty of pests that can cause trouble for homeowners. Some pests can be easy to handle on your own, while others require assistance from an Austin pest control company. Termites are one of those pests that call for the expertise of a professional company.
If you are unsure what termites are, we’ll explain more about these pests to help you better understand the risk that comes with attempting DIY termite control. Read on to learn more about termites and the damage they can cause from the pros at EnviroGuard.
What Are Termites?
Termites are small insects that feed on wood. The different kinds of termites that invade Austin homes are Formosan, drywood, and subterranean termites. There are subtle differences between the types, such as the kind of wood they prefer and where they nest, but they all share the trait of being wood-damaging pests.
Termites live in colonies that contain thousands, even hundreds of thousands of individual termites. Formosan colonies have the largest, averaging 350,000 workers. Drywood termites live in the wood they excavate, while Formosan and subterranean travel back and forth from their nest to their feeding site in mud tubes.
Often these termites can be inside your Austin home without you knowing they are there, quietly damaging the structure of your house. If you suspect a termite infestation in your house or want to be sure you don’t have them, contact us today at EnviroGuard.
Is Termite Damage A Big Deal?
A termite infestation in your home can cause significant damage over time. Termites never take a break, working day and night chewing through the wood in your house. The following list explains the damage each species can cause:
- Subterranean termites can cause considerable damage to the structural wood of your home.
- Formosan termites are the most destructive type, capable of chewing through structural wood, flooring, and wallpaper.
- Drywood termites work away at your house's dry, hard wood, including structural beams, wood banisters, and even picture frames.
Termite damage is often not covered by homeowner’s insurance because it is considered preventable. Regular inspections from a local termite company, such as EnviroGuard, can help you catch a termite problem in its early stages.
Can I Get Rid Of Termites Myself?
You can take preventive measures regarding termite control, such as repairing any water-damaged wood that may attract them. But trying to eliminate termites that are already infesting your home is not a DIY job. Your home is too valuable to risk using over-the-counter termite treatments that may not completely get rid of them.
Different types of termites require different control methods, so we must properly identify the species before working to eradicate them. Because termites feed on wood in hard-to-reach places, it would be challenging for homeowners to eliminate a colony. Additionally, we must be sure the queen is destroyed, or she will quickly reproduce the colony.
If you suspect termites in your house, contact us today at EnviroGuard. If you have already attempted to treat them and want to be sure the problem is gone, we can do a thorough inspection to find any parts of the entire colony that have not been eliminated.
Professional Termite Control Is The Best Termite Control Solution
The best way to get rid of termites in your Austin home and keep them from returning is to team up with the pros at EnviroGuard. Our service professionals can identify and treat any termite species infesting your home. Call us today for a quote and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Austin.