Stopping The Termites In Your Beaumont Home In Their Tracks

There is no pest more terrifying than the termite. Termites do billions of dollars in damage to US homes each year and Texas is one of the hardest-hit states. It’s important to know what a termite looks like and their different stages of development. Paying attention to the signs of termites and the kind of damage they do is imperative. Regular inspections of your home and eliminating things that attract termites can help protect you. When all else fails at stopping the termites in your Beaumont home, it’s time to call the professionals at Bill Clark Pest Control.

Identifying a Termite  

Termites are often confused with flying ants or carpenter ants. They look similar and do similar kinds of damage to homes so it can be hard to tell what pest you are dealing with. Upon close inspection, a termite swarmer has two pairs of wings equal in size. Winged ants have one set that’s larger than the other. Termites also have fatter bodies that are not segmented. Ants have segmented bodies with a thin mid-section.

Termite Caste System

The three main parts of the termite caste system are the workers, the soldiers, and the reproductives. The workers build nests and forage for food. The soldiers defend the colony and are fewer in number than the workers. Workers and soldiers are sterile and live one to two years. There are several sub-sections of the reproductives, from the young alates who fly away and form new colonies to the king and queen of the colony responsible for reproduction.

Signs of Termite Infestation

Termite swarmers, known as alates, are one of the first signs people usually see indicating a termite problem. Even if a homeowner doesn’t see the swarmers, they might find their discarded wings. Additionally, termites use mud tubes to move around. These can resemble mud dauber tubes but are usually found near ground level. You might also discover small holes in damp wood with what looks like sawdust nearby.

Once an infestation has grown considerably, homeowners might notice buckling walls, doors that don’t shut properly, crumbling wood in the home or even be able to hear noises in the walls.

Preventing Termites   

Termites prefer damp wood and materials containing cellulose. If you keep your home dry by repairing leaks, utilizing dehumidifiers, having properly working gutters, then you will reduce your home's attractiveness to termites. If possible, avoid wood mulch around foundations or be sure to drain it properly. Remove organic materials such as leaf piles, downed trees, and garden waste.

For more prevention tips or termite extermination services in the Beaumont area, contact the professionals at Bill Clark Pest Control today.