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Facts About Termites In St. Charles Worth Knowing


February 18, 2020

The words “pest” and “eats wood” do not seem like they should go together. But when it comes to termites, these words are perfect descriptors. Despite being beneficial insects out in the wild, termites can be a major problem for homeowners with homes that are made primarily out of wood, (which is pretty much every home). If you have never heard about these destructive and elusive pests, today is your day to learn. We have everything you as a homeowner ought to know about termites in St. Charles!

termites chewing on wood

What Do Termites Look Like?

Within each termite colony exists a caste system comprised of workers, reproductives, and soldiers. Each group looks slightly different and has its own unique job. 

  • Workers. Worker termites look like cream-colored ants and can most commonly be found harvesting wood to feed their colony.

     

    Soldiers. Soldier termites are slightly larger and darker than worker termites and are tasked with the defense of the colony from other tunneling insects and threats.

     

    Reproductives. Reproductive termites are larger and longer than worker termites and are capable of growing wings, when this happens we call them termite swarmers. These leader termites are responsible for two things: reproduction and colony expansion.

Signs Of Termite Activity

When termites get into our homes, they usually do so very quietly. Unless you are actively looking for them and the signs they leave behind, chances are you won’t find them. That is unless they have been eating at your home for a long, long time.

To check your home for termites, consider the following tips for spotting the signs of a termite infestation:

  • Check exterior foundation walls for mud tubes. These are constructed by worker termites to get to the wood of your home. 

  • Tap on solid wood beams and supports and listen for a hollow sound. This could be an indicator of termite damage.

  • You can also listen to your walls for barely audible clicking noises. As ridiculous as this sounds, if termites are in your walls eating away, you should be able to hear them if you listen closely enough. 

  • Look for water-damaged wood as termites prefer to chew through wood that has been softened. This may not be a direct sign of termites but it does show that your home is susceptible to a termite invasion.

As a termite infestation becomes more severe, you may start to notice some more clear signs such as bubbling wallpaper, dipping floorboards, buckling walls, and other severe structural damage.

How To Make Your St. Charles Home Less Attractive To Termites

To make your home less attractive, you'll want to do three things: make your home’s wood less accessible, reduce moisture, and remove available food sources. Here are some ways you can accomplish this:

  • Make sure there is a non-wood barrier between exterior soil and your home’s wood.

  • Store firewood at least 30 feet away from your home’s exterior.

  • Repair or replace water-damaged wood around your home.

  • Keep your yard free of clutter, especially leaf piles, wood, cardboard, and other organic debris.

  • Fix leaks around your home and install dehumidifiers in particularly humid rooms around your home.

  • Make sure your gutters are properly channeling water from your home’s exterior.

  • Invest in high-quality termite control treatments in St. Charles.

We can not stress that last point enough. Although every other step can help keep termites away, only investing in termite control can ensure that your home remains termite-free. At the Pest Control Consultants, we have long-lasting, effective pest control solutions to deter termites from your home and property. With our team of pest control professionals on your side, you will never have to worry about your home being destroyed by termites ever again.

Don’t wait, give us a call to get started today and find your solution to home-wrecking termites.

Tags: termite control | home pest control | termite prevention tips |