What You Should Know About Termites: How to Identify & Control Them

Termites are trouble. It's that simple. If you notice termites, it's probably because a termite infestation is already well underway. Termites prefer to stay silent and invisible. There are several signs that termites could be invading your home, including:  

• Mud tubes (pencil-thick structures around your home)  
• Discarded wings  
• Swarms  
• Sawdust in unexpected places (their droppings)  

These signs could signal you may have a bevy of unwanted guests. As soon as you notice these signs, it is vital to address the infestation immediately by calling us for our professional pest control service! Termite colonies can spread over more than an acre, so the infestation will only grow.   

What Are Termites?  

Termites are sometimes called white ants because of their similarities. They are both tiny home invaders, living in hierarchies within colonies. But, of course, termites like cool, dark wooden areas where they can eat peacefully until the structures around them fall to pieces. Once termites move in, you won't be able to get them to leave voluntarily. Termites do BILLIONS of dollars in damage every year!  

What Can You Do About Termites! 

You can prevent termites from finding you and eating the floor beneath your feet. Termite prevention starts with the materials you use to build your home, sheds, or other structures on your property. In addition, be careful about handling your landscaping, gardening, and other exterior drainage issues.  

• Pressure-treated wood is termite resistant. 
• Cement and metal beneath your wooden structures can prevent termites from making your structure their next snack.  
• Keep planters, firewood, and other tasty materials away from your foundation and structure.  
• Make sure the ground around your foundation is dry and well-drained.  
• Plant your trees and shrubs far enough away from your home and structures, so they don't attract these fiber-loving pests.  

Of course, depending on where you live and whether you had anything to do with the construction, you may have limited options for preventing termites. So, if they're already here, what do you do?  

How to Get Termites to Leave 

If termites do move in, you can still evict these pests. However, mismanaging DIY treatments could put you and your family at risk and only make the infestation grow. So, when you notice signs of living termites in your home, call the pest control professionals immediately.   We’ll do the dirty work for you. We’re already familiar with the safest, most reliable methods for evicting these pests. Contact us at Pest Management Services of Lubbock now! We will help you send those bugs away and prevent future returns.