The Key To Protecting Your Houston Home From Termites

Termites in Houston are known as one of the most destructive pests, and given their behavior, this makes total sense. These small insects are only about ⅛ of an inch to an inch long, but the damage their colonies can cause is tremendous.

Termites eat through wooden structures in order to extract nutrients in the cellulose fibers inside of the wood. Because of this, they can chew through all kinds of wooden items including flooring, walls, decks, furniture, and more. They create extensive tunnels and colonies inside of wood, and they are also quite difficult to notice at first. This means the damage can compound over time, and the average homeowner will spend about three thousand dollars in repairs.

Another interesting thing about termites is their appearance. They look different depending on their role in their caste system. The worker and soldier termites are a whitish color and don’t have wings. They also are rarely ever seen. On the other hand, the termite swarmers will leave the nest to reproduce, so they have wings and are a brown to black color.

Why Are Termites Attracted To A Property?

The biggest reason why termites are attracted to a building is moisture. They need humid environments to thrive and function, so any home that has excess humidity is going to be more at risk of a termite infestation than others as this creates the ideal environment for them.

But, along with moisture, termites need a way to get into the property. The main way that termites get inside is when there is soil to wood contact around your home. If the foundation of the building doesn’t have a barrier between the soil, this is the perfect way for termites to find tiny cracks to slip inside.

The Best Termite Prevention Tips

Because termites can cause so much damage once they establish themselves in a home, the easiest and most effective way to protect your property is to stop an infestation from starting. The following six steps can greatly reduce your risk of a termite problem:

1. Deal with moisture issues in your home by repairing leaky plumbing and using dehumidifiers in problem areas.
2. The most important way to prevent termites is to install a barrier between the foundation of your home and any soil.
3. Remove any water-damaged wood from both inside and outside the house.
4. Store firewood neatly in a dry area that’s at least 30 feet away from the building’s exterior.
5. Ensure that there is good ventilation in attics, basements, and crawl spaces.
6. Do your best to seal up holes in the walls and foundation of your home using foam and caulk materials.

How Can You Keep Your Home Safe From Termite Damage?

Termites are one of the most difficult pests to prevent and control, and once they get inside, it’s common for them to go unnoticed for months or even years. Because of this, the most effective and affordable way to protect your home from termites is to get expert help from Cantu Pest & Termite.

We have over 30 years of experience keeping Houston homes termite-free, and we even offer free quotes to make it easy for you to get started. Give us a call at (972) 483-2860 to schedule yours today or to learn more about our residential pest control options.