The Trick To Effective Termite Control For Your Hartford Property

November 24, 2020

In: Termites

Termites Eat Wood In Your Yard

Termites have a preference for wood that is decaying. If you have sources of decaying wood in your yard, it will attract these insects into your yard. When termite workers come into your yard to feed on a wood source, they're likely to feed on your home at the same time. Unlike ants, termites feed on many sources of food at the same time. Here are a few potential sources of decaying wood that termites can feed on.

• Building materials that have been buried in your yard

• Stumps, logs, and decaying trees

• Firewood

• Wooden borders around landscaping, such as railroad ties

• The posts of an old fence or deck

• An old shed

• Certain mulches

Termites Eat Other Things

Keep in mind that termites don't eat only wood. They will feed on other things that have cellulose, such as cardboard, paper, clothing, and some vegetables. Subterranean termites have been found infesting stacked cardboard boxes and piles of clothes inside garages and sheds. If termites are doing this, you may notice shelter tubes on walls or floors. These tubes are made from soil found around your home, so they may appear as mud splatters to you. Routine inspections can prevent damage to your home and other structures on your property.

Termites Can Have Wings

When a termite colony matures, a queen can start to develop winged termites for the purpose of creating new nests. These winged termites appear in spring. If you see a tiny black insect with long white wings that are stacked on top of each other and rounded at the tips, it is important that you recognize it as a termite swarmer. Before an infestation takes root in your yard, you may see only one or two swarmers that have broken away from the swarm and selected your yard because of available food sources or moist conditions. Be on the lookout. The only sign you may get is a little ⅜ of an inch insect landing on your skin for a second or two, before you shoo it away.

Termites Take Advantage Of Openings

When worker termites attempt to feed on the wood of your home, they're likely to take advantage of openings that other insects take advantage of, such as holes in the sole plates of your home, gaps around pipes, gaps around window frames, and cracks in your foundation walls. Seal these entry points to resist termites.

Termite Treatments

There is no better way to protect your property from termite damage than by investing in professional termite control services. While you can apply termite-control products yourself, there are many ways these products can fail when they are applied by an individual who does not have the appropriate training and certifications. And when your termite-control efforts fail, you aren't likely to know it. You could end up spending a lot of money, time, and energy attempting to protect your home, only to spend more money on the damage your termite control didn't prevent. It is better to trust a professional to protect your property from termite damage. If you live in Hartford, reach out to American Pest Solutions today and talk with us about your options. We know what is required to protect your property against a termite infestation.