There is a vast variety of termites across and San Antonio. These insects are known to cause extensive and irreparable damage to homes in Texas. But, you need not fret as Accurate Pest Control in San Antonio is the industry leader in pest control. We will help you differentiate dissimilar termites in different ways depending on their type and age, making it simple for you to identify them. There are three types of termites mainly the Subterranean Termites, Drywood Termite & the Desert Damp Wood Termite.
The Subterranean Termites
Subterranean Termites are among one of the most prevalent and destructive pests in San Antonio. They grow as many as two million members when the termites swarm in spring. They are mostly found in the soil underground but can also live in moist isolated spaces above ground. If you’re not vigilant, they can entirely collapse a structure, this means the possible monetary ruin of your property.
- Identification
Subterranean termites are usually dark brown to black in color and have just about¼ to ½ inch long pair of wings. They have hard, saw-toothed jaws that work like scissors and can bite off tremendously tiny remains of wood.
- Detection
Subterranean termites construct unique tunnels that look like mud tubes, to attain food sources and guard themselves against open air. They utilize their scissor-like jaws to consume wood 24 hours a day. Subterranean termites also feed on foodstuffs which consist of cellulose, just like other termite types.
- Extermination
The best way to control subterranean termites is to avoid water buildup near the base of the home. Prevent these termite accesses by deflecting water away with appropriately running gutters. You can stock up firewood at least 20 feet away from the home, and keep mulch at least 15 inches from the structure. Indoors, house owners must reduce moisture through proper aeration of attics and basements to avoid magnetizing subterranean termite swarms.
The Western Drywood Termite
The Western Drywood Termite is a native insect and is the second most important pest. It has evolved and survived for millions of years feeding and infesting homes and wooden structures.
- Identification
These termites are mysterious insects. They are rarely seen only when repair work of infested homes is being conducted as they live deep inside the wood structures. They are commonly called swarmers because the adults have flight wings. They are also found swarming to street and porch lights at dark.
- Detection
They can be easily detected by their fecal pellets or when they swarm to street or porch lights. We suggest you leave the inspection and detection of the extent of an infestation to the termite inspection team in San Antonio.
- Extermination
Drywood termites are difficult to identify and determining the extent of damage is better left to professionals. Thus, DIY treatments are not recommended in this case. Drywood termite pest control consists of localized or structured methods. The treatment is contained to a spot around the infested area where lesser damage is caused. Extensive damage requires structured treatments wherein the whole foundation around the infestation area is quarantined, either replaced or treated with heavy chemicals.
The Desert Damp Wood Termite
Damp wood termites are very common and they are mostly found in cool, humid and high moisture places. They can usually be found infesting on decayed driftwood and trees along river banks and streams. They are also found in homes that usually have a leakage and plumbing issue which causes the wood around to become damp and moist creating favorable conditions for them to infest within.
- Identification
They are usually 25mm long and are winged. They can be found around leaking plumbing and leakage areas of the wooden structures. They can also be found around the roof and drain rain pipes.
- Detection
Damp wood termites, unlike other termites, don’t construct mud tubes. They cover their entry points with their feces. Detection of damp wood termites can only be done by professionals as the area which is infested is either in nooks and crannies or in highly moist and fungal prone areas of homes and wooden structures.
- Extermination
The extermination of damp wood termites is done using bait devices. These devices are placed below ground by enticing termites to feed on them. This can control the spread to the colony or reduce infestation. Liquid treatment is done by injecting the liquid directly into wood or termite colonies.
On the first signs or doubts of infestations, we suggest you not to hesitate and call termite inspection team of San Antonio immediately. Our trained professionals will inspect your home thoroughly looking for signs of termite infestations with the use of cutting edge equipment. We will provide you with recommendations and pest control plans that will help your home from future infestations.
Want to learn more about controlling termites entering your home? Contact Accurate Pest Control for a no-cost estimate to your pest control in San Antonio!