Are Termites Swarming Your McKinney Home?
If you’ve noticed swarms of tiny insects around your home in McKinney, TX, it could be a sign that termites have infested your property. Termites cause billions of dollars of damage every year to homes and businesses across the United States, so it is important to act quickly if you suspect you have an infestation.
What Do Termites Look Like?
Termites are small insects that resemble ants. They typically measure between 1/8 to 3/8 of an inch in length and can vary in color from creamy white to brown. A closer inspection will reveal that termite bodies have a distinct pattern of segments and antennae, as well as three pairs of legs on their abdomen. Winged termites, which are seen when the insects swarm, have four wings that measure equal in size and shape.
Types Of Termites In McKinney, TX
In McKinney, TX, there are two main types of termites that homeowners need to be aware of: subterranean and drywood termites.
Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites live in underground colonies and build elaborate tunnel systems to reach sources of food above the ground. Subterranean termite colonies can contain anywhere from several hundred to several million individual termites.
These pests typically cause more damage than drywood termites because they are able to build large nests and feed off of many different types of wood. Subterranean termites can also infest other areas, such as walls and ceilings, which makes them even more difficult to treat.
Drywood Termites
Drywood termites are less common than subterranean species, but can still cause significant damage. Unlike their subterranean counterparts, drywood termite colonies don't require contact with soil in order to survive and thrive. Instead, they live inside the wood that they consume.
Drywood termite infestations are often more localized and confined to a single piece of furniture or section of flooring. While they don't spread as quickly as subterranean termites, drywood termite colonies can still cause extensive damage if left untreated.
What Do Termites Eat?
Termites primarily feed on wood, but they also consume other materials such as paper, cloth, carpet, and insulation. Subterranean termites build mud tunnels to get moisture and food sources from the soil. Drywood termites feed on the wood they inhabit, creating galleries inside the wood to deposit their feces and frass. Both kinds of termites require moisture to survive and will quickly die if their environment becomes too dry.
Dangers Of Termites
Termites can cause severe damage to wooden structures, furniture, and homes. The presence of termites can reduce property value and even make a structure unsafe or unusable. In addition, termite infestations can be very difficult to detect because they often occur in hard-to-reach areas such as basements and crawl spaces.
Are Termites Harmful To Humans?
In general, termites are not dangerous to humans but can cause significant damage to property. They do not bite or sting and are actually quite beneficial in nature for breaking down dead plants and animals. Contact with large numbers of termites can be unpleasant, and some people may experience allergies due to the presence of airborne spores.
What Are The First Signs Of Termites?
The first signs of a termite infestation can include:
- Swarms of winged insects near windows and doors.
- Discarded wings from swarming termites.
- Mud tubes, which are made of soil and saliva, on exterior walls or around the foundation.
- Termite droppings (frass) near windows and door frames.
- Damaged wood, which may appear to be hollowed out or blistered.
- Discolored paint on walls and window sills.
If you suspect a termite problem in your home, it is important to contact a pest control professional for an inspection as soon as possible.
How To Get Rid Of Termites
The most effective way to get rid of termites is to hire a professional exterminator. Exterminators can use chemical or non-chemical methods to eliminate termites from your home. Chemical treatments involve using insecticides that target the termite's nervous system, killing them on contact. Non-chemical treatments may involve using heat or cold to deactivate the termites. In either case, an exterminator will be able to provide the most effective solution for long-term control of a termite infestation.
How Can I Prevent Termite Infestations?
The best way to prevent termite infestations is to provide an environment that makes it difficult for them to enter and find food. Keep your home well-maintained by repairing any damage to wood or other materials and eliminating moisture sources, such as leaking pipes or water-damaged wood. Sealing cracks around the foundation of the home and removing any areas of standing water can help to keep termites away. Additionally, keeping wood piles far from the home and using physical barriers such as screening or metal flashing around vulnerable areas may also help.
Finally, it is important to inspect your home regularly for signs of damage or infestations, especially if you live in an area with a high risk for termite infestations. If you find signs that termites may be present, contact a pest control professional to help identify the problem and develop a plan of action. Taking these simple steps can help keep your home protected from the damage caused by termites.
PCI Pest Control Offers Quality Termite Control In McKinney, TX
PCI Pest Control is proud to offer quality termite control services in McKinney, TX. We use a combination of monitoring stations, soil injections, and physical barriers to protect your home from the damage caused by termites. Our experienced technicians will inspect your home for signs of infestation and develop a tailored treatment plan that is designed specifically to meet your needs. We will work with you to determine the best approach for keeping your home free from termites and provide follow-up within six months of our initial appointment. Don't hesitate to contact us today for more information about our quality termite control services in McKinney, TX.