How To Tell If Your Fort Worth Property Has Termites

Termites are one the most difficult pests to control. They are nocturnal and eat 24 hours per day. Termites are very stealthy and can sneak into buildings with little notice. They rarely venture out of sight.

Termites cause billions in structural damage across each year. Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover termite-related damages.

Preventing termites is the best option. A professional pest control expert can help protect your Fort Worth property against unwanted termites.

Termite Behavior and Identification

There are many types of termites. The appearances and behavior of each species and their respective castes are different. They all share a common trait: a constant need to eat wood.

Termites generally have two segments to their bodies, with an antennae and a straight abdomen. Swarmers are the only termite type with wings. Three species are most commonly found in Fort Worth: dry wood termites and eastern subterranean termites.

Drywood termites range in color from creamy-white to light chocolate and can reach a length of 3/8 to 1 in. Eastern subterranean termites range in color from creamy-white to dark brown, or black. They can reach a length of 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Formosan subterranean termites range in color from pale yellow to yellowish brown, averaging around 5/16 inch.

Termites exist solely to decompose organic matter and other material. Termites can be very beneficial to the ecosystem in their natural environment. Termites are an important decomposer that helps forest growth by breaking down plant fibres and turning decaying trees into fertile ground.

Unfortunately, termites’ instinct to destroy can turn into dangerous destruction when they come in contact with man-made structures. The termites’ constant need for food damages property and weakens structural integrity. This can also compromise the safety of those who visit termite-infested buildings.

Prevention is Protection

Termites can continue their destructive behavior day and night, even without being detected. This could go on for many months, or even years before they are noticed.

It is difficult to identify termite infestations. These tiny pests won’t be visible on your property as other pests. Termites are hidden under wooden trim, in structural wood above ceilings and below floors.

Termite infestations can be discovered only after significant damage has been done. If they have been allowed to feed for a long time, termites can cause irreparable damage to a structure.

Termites can be prevented by taking preventive steps. Regular inspections of your property for termite signs and symptoms will help you detect it sooner than later.

Although prevention is a good idea, professional termite inspection in Fort Worth are necessary to ensure safety for your Fort Worth home. A termite expert will know what to look out for, where it is located, and how to fix it.

Signs Of A Termite Infestation

An infestation can produce subtle signs. When looking for signs of termite infestation, make sure you inspect your home carefully.

• Watch out for winged swarmers that emerge from their nests in spring.
• You should look for fallen wings on or near walkways, doors, windowsills, and other areas.
• You should inspect your property for any damaged wood inside and out. This includes patios, decks, steps, sills and frames, and trim.
• To check if wooden parts produce a hollow sound, knock them on. Infestation is indicated by hollow or softwood wood.
• Termite excrement (or termite frass) is often confused with sawdust. You can find frass piles close to nesting areas.
• You should check to ensure that your windows and doors are not too loose or tight. Look for other signs in the vicinity if they are.

Termite infestations usually do not show up until they become serious. Get a termite control company for Fort Worth before they invade your property.