Termites: The "Silent Destroyer"

Termites are often referred to as the "silent destroyer" because they can take up residence in your home or yard without any signs of immediate damage. All termites consume cellulose-based plant materials. Unfortunately, this can lead to a termite infestation, as all homes regardless of construction type can provide cellulose. Damage may not be apparent until infestation is full blown. As a result, a pest control company at the Lake of the Ozarks will need to uncover the source of the infestation. A B Pest Control and Insulation can control termites and prevent them from reappearing in the future. Here are some common signs of termites:

Mud Tubes

Termites build and travel through mud tunnels or 'mud tubes' to protect themselves from predators and dry air. If you see a line of dirt running up the block wall in a crawl space, you could have termites. Beware of bubbled paint or pencil-sized mud tubes running across concrete or connecting soil to wood.

Swarmers

In spring, termites erupt by the hundreds looking to find a mate and start a colony. Termites are winged insects. Look closely if you see insects crawling together or if you see a cloud of winged insects. Determine whether they are termites or ants. Ants travel in swarms too and termites can be commonly mistaken for ants.

Visibly Damaged Wood

Termites will hollow out wood, leaving a paper-thin surface. It may appear blistered or peeling. Look for wood that has been hollowed into. Soil is typically mixed in with the wood. Termites prefer soft or previously damaged wood, but will eat most anything. 

Control Termites From Entering Your Home

The best way to prevent a termite infestation is to prevent them from coming into your home. To keep termites from damaging your property, keep basements, attics, and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry. A B Pest Control and Insulation can install a vapor barrier in your crawl space that makes it become a conditioned living area. This means it gets rid of moisture, heating problems, odors, and vents that go to the exterior. Here are some common ways termites can cause damage to your property:

• Termites are able to access homes in soil against siding. This happens due to the slope of most homes in the area. Make sure to keep landscape blocks, and soil at least a couple of inches from the start of the siding, stucco, or other building materials.
• Scrap lumber left in the crawlspace or in the foundation itself.
• Leaking faucets, water pipes, and AC units on the outside of your home.
• Fascia and soffits and any rotted trim and roof shingles.
• Weather stripping and loose mortar around the foundation and windows.
• Water not properly routed away from your house through non-functioning downspouts and gutters.
• Firewood not stored at least 20 feet away from your home and 5 inches above the ground.
• Mulch kept 15 inches or closer to the foundation.
• Rotting tree stumps on your property. 

 

A B Pest Control and Insulation Prevents and Treats Termites

A termite inspection is recommended every one to three years. Homes with previous termite infestations should be re-inspected every year. An exterminator at the Lake of the Ozarks should be contacted if termite activity is suspected. A B Pest Control and Insulation offers termite inspections and preventative termite treatments for new and existing homes and buildings. We also offer an advanced termite treatment that is two to six times faster than baiting systems. You can count on us to find the right solution for your termite infestation at the Lake of the Ozarks! 

Lake of the Ozarks
Pest Control Company

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www.abpest.net

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