Most homeowners worry about a potential termite infestation. But did you know there is more than one type of termite to keep an eye out for? Worse yet, some of those termites attack a home from underground while others attack from the air. More about that in a moment, but before we get into the gory details of these two primary termite types and the risk they pose to your home, it’s important to know that you don’t have to fight a termite infestation on your own. Holder Pest Control has been supporting local homeowners in the battle against termites for decades, and we’re here to help you, too!
Drywood Termites
When you conjure up an image of swarming termites, what you’re thinking of are drywood termites. Drywood termites tend to swarm in the spring, searching for a new home or business to invade and claim as their next colony. Drywood termites are similar in shape to ants but have dark orange heads and very long, opaque, brownish wings.
One of the first signs of this infestation can be their wings or their frass, a sandy feeling substance they leave behind as they eat through the wooden elements of a structure. You may also notice that your wooden doors or windows have trouble opening and closing or you may even see visible damage. The treatment for drywood termites depends upon the severity of the infestation. Unfortunately, this variety could be munching on your home for years before you start spotting the tell-tale signs.
In some cases, you may be able to spot-treat your home; however, in many cases, whole structure fumigation also known as tenting is required to eliminate the problem. Fortunately, fumigation doesn’t harm your home. During the process, you and any pets will just need to stay out for a few days.
Subterranean Termites
It’s safe to say that more people have seen evidence of a subterranean termite infestation than realize it. Unlike their drywood cousins, subterranean termites build nests underground and invade a home from below. The first signs you’ll notice are mud tubes running up from the ground into the home’s foundation.
These underground dwelling termites look very similar to drywood termites but with a dark head and light-colored wings though you’re unlikely to spot the bugs themselves. Subterranean termites can be treated without fumigation.
Regardless of what kind of termites you have, it’s safe to say that no homeowner is thrilled to have them. It’s important to take swift action with a termite infestation and treat them as soon as possible to avoid serious damage to your home or business. While many people are tempted to take on their pest control in a DIY manner, we encourage you to leave this job to the professionals. Ineffective termite control is a recipe for long-term structural damage.
At Holder Pest Control, we’ve committed decades to helping local homeowners protect their homes from unwanted pests. When you find yourself with a termite problem, we hope you’ll call us for help. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
