Termite Control Tips For West Chester Homeowners

Types Of Termites In West Chester

The most common type of termite foraging in the West Chester area is the subterranean termite. These "lovers of wood" can cause significant problems to homes in the area. Because of the challenges they pose to homeowners, it is wise to take note of their characteristics.

Three characteristics of subterranean termites include the following:

1. Soldiers have flat bodies that are creamy-white. Their brown heads are rectangular, and they have enormous jaws. Soldiers grow from about 1/8 to 3/8 inches in length.
2. Workers also have creamy-white bodies. Their heads are also brown (soldiers' heads are darker brown), but their jaws are small. They measure about 1/4 inch or smaller.
3. Reproductives include alates (the fliers), a queen, and a king. Alates are dark brown/black, have long bodies, and have milky wings. Queens are more prominent than kings growing about 1/4 to 1/2 inches long. They range in color from pale yellow-brown to black.

Identifying the different castes of the subterranean family can be pretty tricky. When you see signs of termites in your home, it is wise to become informed of the problems they can bring to your home.

The Problem With Termites In West Chester 

A termite problem often begins when temperatures are warm and decayed/moisture-soaked wood is available; they love wood or any cellulose product. They can plow through wood with their saw-toothed jaws 24-hours per day, seven days a week. While they are usually content with cellulose products outside, the lack of suitable sustenance may force them to seek what they need inside your home.

Termites will build mud tubes to ensure their protection while seeking new food sources. They can access homes through cracks less than 1/16 inch wide, then splinter off into various pockets as they eat your wood. Just a tiny colony (60,000) can eat the equivalent of a 2x4 piece of wood in as little as a year. A termite problem can be expensive to fix and be a problem to your home's overall structural stability.

Termite Prevention Tips

Once inside your home, termite removal can be challenging. At the first signs of termites in your home, you must take active steps to prevent them from invading.

Five steps that help deter termites from entering your home include:

1. Inspect your property for water leaks both inside and out.
2. Fix any areas of standing water around your property.
3. Keep all stored wood up off the ground.
4. Do not bury wood debris or leave it lying around your yard.
5. Seal any cracks/crevices around your foundation.

You may do everything you can to stop subterranean termites from accessing your home. Despite your best efforts, they may still find their way inside. Ultimately, it is always best to reach out to the experts at Masters Touch Pest Solutions for termite removal and protection.

The Best Termite Control For Your West Chester Property

Termites are no match for the pest professionals at Masters Touch Pest Solutions. Our mission is to provide you with effective termite treatments that eliminate and stop them from returning. Our family-owned and operated company has provided excellent service to the West Chester area since 1991. Call us today for your no-obligation estimate, and let us put our innovative pest control technologies at your disposal.