DON’T WAIT ANOTHER DAY TO SCHEDULE TERMITE INSPECTION/TREATMENT
FOR YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS IN THE HOUSTON AREA
Termites can cause major damage to the interior and structure of your home and business. Treat your home and business against termites before an infestation begins.
Termite Control Houston Area
Termites are insidious creatures working silently behind the scenes in droves. They’re tough to spot with the untrained eye, and can cause thousands of dollars’ worth of damage before you even realize you have a problem. Termites are responsible for $5 billion in property damage every year, which is not surprising when you look at the size of their colonies.
The average termite colony contains 3 million members, although there have been several documented cases of colonies reaching more than 70 million termites in size. Despite the worker termite’s incredibly small stature that typically measures one centimeter or less in length, their feeding habits are enormous.
Termites have been known to cause much more extensive damage in homes and businesses than they do in nature, making termite inspection important on a regular basis and termite extermination imperative at the first signs of trouble.
Call Today Colburn’s Pest Control Service, Inc
281-392-3440
Identifying Termite Types
While termite swarmers and ant swarmers appear similar, termites are totally different insect species with a history that stretches 150 years. Houston is home to three different termite types notorious for feasting on area residential and commercial buildings.
Subterranean Termites
Normally swarm in March and April in the Houston area when temperatures start heating up to at least 70 degrees. Although they primarily live underground, they can live above-ground if they find a protected location that provides the moisture they need to survive. Cellulose is another item they require for survival, which is why they feed on paper, wood, and other products that contain it.
Formosan Termites
Known as the “super termite” due to their highly aggressive and destructive habits. Formosan termites are a specific species of subterranean termites. A mature Formosan colony can cause massive damage in a rapid amount of time, with reports indicating a single Formosan colony could destroy an entire wooden structure in about 90 days.
In addition to wood and similar products, Formosan termites have been known to attack more than 50 plant species as we as non-cellulose products in their quest for food sources and moisture. Those products have included plastic, rubber, mortar, asphalt, creosote, and even soft metals.
Drywood Termites
Unlike their subterranean counterparts, drywood termites do need a high moisture content to survive. They also tend to a swam a bit later in the year. Wood with low moisture content is their food of choice, steering clear at moist or decaying wood products. They attack various types of wood products, from structures to furniture. Their damage is only less intense than subterranean termites because the species is not as widespread.
Warning Signs You Have Termites
Several warning signs can alert you it’s time for termite treatments, although termite infestations may only be revealed through a thorough termite inspection. Visible signs to look for include:
Small Mud Tubes: Termites usually enter Houston homes and businesses from the perimeter of the structure, often building up mud tubes that let them enter through cracks, weep holes, or other openings.
Evidence of Destruction: Crumbling drywall, sagging doors or floors and small holes in wood are some of the more obvious signs of a termite infestation.
Evidence of Residence: Insect wings can also indicate swarming.
Termites have found a home in your home.
Sources of Moisture: Since subterranean termites need moisture to survive, you want to pay attention to leaky pipes, standing water, and damp conditions. Keep in mind that termites can also enter the home or business through shower drains, toilet drains, bath traps, and other plumbing structures.
Call Today 281-392-3440
Colburn’s Pest Control Service, Inc.
We Kill What’s Bugging You!