You have invested a great deal of time and money into your home and commercial property. Our team of pest control professionals wants to help you maintain the prestige of your property by eliminating any and all threats of termites. These pests are dangerous to the safety of your property and should be taken seriously. Leave the hassle of dealing with these silent homewreckers to us.
Termites are arguably one of the most dangerous pests to have in and around your home or building. They don’t bite or spread diseases but they can destroy the structure of the building quickly and silently by eating away the wood. They are also one of the most difficult pests to get rid of and usually requires professional pest control to completely eradicate them and keep them gone for future years.
Local Termite Species
The two most common species of termites in Utah are Subterranean termites and drywood termites. Each of them live in different areas and cause different types of problems based on where they live. Subterranean termites live in dirt where they form colonies and bring food to and from. Whereas drywood termites live in wood and are more difficult to detect. All termites look similar and are grey or white and have bodies shaped like cylinders. Many people mistake them for ants due to their similar biology. These pests live on eating wood and can eat right through your home’s structure without any warning. The reason these pests are so difficult to detect is because they are so small and can travel in and out of the home through small cracks and crevices unnoticed. A large colony can cause noise while smaller colonies aren’t usually heard.
While these pests are extremely difficult to detect unless you’ve seen them with your own eyes, there are some signs that point to a termite infestation. Some signs may include:
- Swarms: Termites usually gather in swarms and these can be seen inside and out. Many people mistake them for flying ants and can be seen indoors during the spring and summer months.
- Wood damage: Since termites like to eat wood from the inside out, there will be evidence of wood damage when there’s an infestation. Rotten wood may also be an indicator.
- Mud tubes: Since subterranean termites live in the dirt, they travel through mud tubes where they go from the wood to their colony underground. These are most commonly found near basements and foundations.
Termites can cause a lot of damage in a very short period of time. Homeowners should pay close attention to the structure of their houses and be on the lookout for these pests and contact a pest control company immediately before any more damage is done.
Why Are They Bad To Have Around?
The biggest problem with having a termite problem is that they cause damage to any and all wood they choose to feed on. When this wood is part of a home or building’s structure the safety of those residing or working in that building becomes a question. Luckily, these pests do not cause health problems or transmit diseases like other pests do but the structural damage may be just as unsafe. In addition to calling the professionals when you suspect termites there are also some preventative measures you can take to keep these pests off your property. To prevent termites you should consider stacking wood away from your home and other buildings, fixing all drainage issues resulting in standing water near buildings, trimming overhanging branches from trees, as well as having a trained professional inspect your home regularly.
Professional Termite Control Services
The key to controlling a termite infestation is early detection and early treatment. The less damage they have done to the wood, the better. Wood damage is not one of those things that can be fixed easily, especially when the wood is part of a structure. Termites can not usually be treated by homeowners alone and often require professional pest control services. Columbia Pest Control has been around for many years and understands the severity of termite infestations. If you suspect termites in your house or on your property, be sure to contact our office immediately to prevent further damage.