The historic colonial architecture of West Chester is well-known throughout the region. West Chester is one of the oldest towns in the United States that is still thriving and rich in architecture and housing quality. The German colonial house style is what nearly all the housing designs in the area are centered around; however, because these houses are older structures, these homes can face termite problems.
You shouldn't go into panic mode, but it should make you proactive in your efforts to preserve, protect, and maintain your beautiful colonial-style home. The older infrastructure and materials used to build your home are the ideal environment for termites.
As your local West Chester pest control experts, we believe in the value of feeling at home in your home, and we're here to help protect your home from these pests. Here at Masters Touch Pest Solutions, we are also members of the West Chester community. Our focus is helping our neighbors by providing quality and guaranteed services to homes and businesses in the community.
If you or anyone you know in the West Chester area needs termite control services, our team at Masters Touch Pest Solutions can give you the pest-free property you deserve.
How To Identify Signs Of Termites
The subterranean termite is the most common termite species found in our region. This species of termites are social and like congregating in large colonies, where they live and work together. They dig burrows into the ground and use wet soil to build their nests. To survive, subterranean termites require large amounts of moisture and constant contact with the ground.
The structure of subterranean termites colonies consists of a number of "castes," or social divisions. The workers comprise the largest group and are responsible for most of the work. They are in charge of maintaining the nest, providing care for the young as they develop, and leaving the nest daily to forage for food. The names of the other two castes, "soldiers" and "reproductives," are also very descriptive of their roles.
Signs of Termite Infestations in West Chester:
- When doors and windows become difficult to open and close, when walls begin to bulge, and when floors begin to sag, these are signs that you do not want to see.
- The mud tubes that termites construct are the most obvious sign that they are present. These can be in various locations, including the interior walls of your home, the exterior walls of your cellar, and crawl spaces underneath your home. Since they create mud tubes from the soil near your house, they will have a color comparable to the surrounding area. These mud tubes sometimes appear to be somewhat gray in color, causing people to confuse them with cement. Sometimes they seem random and are nothing more than a buildup of dirt. Recognizing the signs of termite infestations could help you save your home.
- You might be able to hear termites if you have reason to believe that they are living in one of the walls of your property. Put your ear on the wall and listen closely for sounds like clicking. The workers of the termite colony communicate with one another by tapping their heads against the tunnel walls.
- Termite swarmers do not travel very far from the nest, so seeing them, even on the exterior of your home, is a significant sign of termites in your home. A mature termite nest produces termite swarmers, so seeing them on the outside of your property indicates that termites have been eating away at your home for several years. The mission of termite swarmers is to establish new territories and raise new broods.
The most effective method of defense against subterranean termites is proactive monitoring. The good news is that if you have Masters Touch Pest Solutions' industry-leading termite protection for your property, it will be protected from these wood-eating pests and not be vulnerable to damage. Don't wait until you see signs of termites before taking action. Masters Touch Pest Solutions can help you develop a protection plan for termite removal before they become a serious threat to your property.
Why Termites Infest And Destroy Wooden Structures
Termites do not consume every part of the wood that they find. They're feeding on the cellulose contained within the wood. Cellulose is the plant fiber that gives wood its structure. It is a source of nutrition for termites. They utilize it not only in constructing their nests but also in constructing the tunnels that connect their nest to the primary sources of food and water.
A termite colony that is still active may remain hidden for a significant time, partly because virtually all activity occurs in the dark, either just beneath the surface or within the wooden framework of a structure, fence, or deck.
Unlike many other kinds of pests, termites are silent when they do their damage so that they can do it over an extended time. Except for when they are mating, termites will typically stay away from bright light. , they spend most of their lives in the dark, concealed deep within a house or some other type of structure.
Remove Factors That Attract Termites To Your Property
Termites like any food source containing cellulose, but wood, in particular, is their preferred meal. On the other hand, certain species of termite favor damp, soft wood and prefer to live in the soil close to the foundation of your house. Therefore, ensuring that your home has no issues with persistent moisture or standing water in its basement, crawl spaces, or any other low-to-the-ground places that aren't easily accessible or frequently frequented is a good idea. You can do this by sealing any cracks or crevices in the foundation. Other termite attractants are:
- Outdoor wood piles: Most people who gather wood for fires in their homes prefer to store their wood stacks near their homes and in a protected area. Termites love to infest wood stacks, which could be a potential factor leading to termites entering your home. While this is often convenient and keeps firewood safe from the elements, termites find them. It is best to keep stacks of wood elevated and away from the main walls of your home to prevent termites from getting to them.
- Tree Stumps: Tree stumps are decaying wood that, as they rot, become more pliable and damp, serving as a "welcome home" sign for termites. If you let termites infest tree stumps and other dead wood on your property, it could only be a matter of time before they find their way into your house.
- Mulch: Mulch is excellent for gardening but can significantly attract termites. Many people do not place a barrier between mulch and the foundations of their homes, allowing the mulch to touch the foundations directly. If termites gain access to your mulch while in contact with your home's foundation, they can easily find cracks and crevices to enter your foundation and walls and infest your home.
- Roof issues: Termites may gain access to your home through low-hanging branches that come into contact with the roof. They may also find this area appealing if your gutters are clogged and have trouble draining. It's easy for termites to get through a roof and spread to the rest of a house.
- Problems with the basement: Termites threaten many homes, particularly those with a basement. These locations are notorious for retaining moisture and leaving wooden structural supports exposed, making them susceptible to infestation. A termite colony can cause a significant amount of damage to your home if it can gain access to your home in this manner.
Call The Professionals At The First Sign Of Termites In Your Home
Along with our long history and extensive experience in providing top-notch pest control solutions, we at Masters Touch Pest Solutions also have the necessary certifications to support our guarantee against pest infestation. As a member of the National Pest Management Association, the Pennsylvania Pest Management Association, and the Better Business Bureau, we offer dependable services while ensuring the safety of your children, pets, clients, and employees.
Our team of specialists will arrive promptly and begin by inspecting the particulars of your property. After identifying the issue, we will devise a unique termite control plan and get to work. We will work around your schedule and determine the optimal time to initiate treatment together.
Book your Masters Touch Pest Solutions inspection today, and we will assist you in eradicating these pesky termites.
