Termites are destructive insects—but only if you let them. The most important fact any West Chester property owner can know about termites is that they can only damage property that is not protected. While the greatest level of protection is professional termite control installed by certified technicians, there are many things you can do before you contact West Chester pest control. We don't want you to ever be without termite protection, even if it is not the best possible protection. So, we're going to begin this article by discussing what you can do to guard against termite damage.
What Do Termites Look Like?
It might sound strange, but the best way to prevent termite damage is to familiarize yourself with termite identification. It's true. You might think you know what a termite looks like but when you actually see one, you may not realize it.
- You may mistake termite workers for pale-colored ants, maggots, or some other tiny bugs. We hope you don't. When you pick up a dead branch and see tiny insects that are about ⅛ of an inch long and pale in color, you're looking at worker termites.
- You may not take much notice of a swarmer termite if you see one by itself. A swarmer termite is only about ⅜ of an inch long. You can recognize it by its white wings that are round at the tips and stacked on top of each other.
These are examples of subtle ways you may notice termites on your property, but some signs are far from subtle. If you see a termite swarm in your house or place of business, you'll probably know that you have a termite problem. All of those tiny insects with their white wings will be difficult to ignore. Unfortunately, as you look for signs of termites in your home or business, this is the last sign you want to see. If winged termites are appearing inside, it means there is a nest nearby and it has been there for years. It is best to catch early signs of active termites on your property and address them before they have time to damage your property for years.
What Is The Best Way To Identify Termite Damage?
There are many pests that can damage the wood of your property. How do you know you have a termite problem? Termites often create mud tubes and mud patches. They do this because the mud, which is soil and termite saliva, creates a protective wall to keep worker termites hydrated. Look for mud on wood that is being damaged by termites.
In particularly humid spaces, such as a crawl space under your home or business, you may find visible damage to wood members. If so, this damage will look like trenches on top of each other. Carpenter ants make similar trenches. You can tell termite tunnels from carpenter ant tunnels by feeling them. Carpenter ant tunnels are smooth and termite tunnels are gritty from the soil they bring into their tunnels. You may also see carpenter ants crawling around or notice frass underneath carpenter ant damage. Subterranean termites stay hidden and don't produce frass. These are the type of termites that damage West Chester properties.
Is There A Way To Prevent Termites For Good?
If you're doing your own pest control, it is difficult to know whether or not you're protected even if you purchase a termite control product and apply it to your perimeter. Termite products can fail when less-than-effective products are used or products are installed improperly. It is also possible to damage your property when installing a liquid termiticide barrier. This barrier needs to be complete and it often requires drilling. Certified technicians are trained to do this work.
If you want ongoing termite protection you can trust, we strongly recommend having a certified technician install and maintain your termite control. A certified professional uses a specialized knowledge to inspect your property and detect subtle signs of termite activity or conducive conditions. A professional will also deploy products that monitor termite activity and actively eliminate attacking colonies. These products are installed according to strict manufacturer's guidelines.
Professional Termite Control In West Chester
If you are in West Chester, you're in our service area. Let the certified technicians here at Masters Touch Pest Solutions install and maintain your termite control. We provide the highest level of service and we use the most trusted products, such as Termidor® HE and the Trelona® Advance Termite Baiting System. If you'd like to learn more about these products or you need advice about termite prevention in West Chester, we're standing by to help. Reach out to us today for immediate assistance.
