Termites: What You Need To Know To Protect Your Home
Termites are a major threat to homeowners. These wood destroying insects can damage or destroy home foundations, siding and shingles, wooden decks, outdoor gazebos, sheds, and more if left untreated.
Unfortunately, most homeowners don’t find a termite infestation until it’s too late. Keep reading for what you need to know to protect your home from these dangerous pests.
WEST TEXAS TERMITES
The hot, dry climate in Lubbock and throughout West Texas gives home to two common species of termites. Drywood termites prey on homes for the ample supply of food. Subterranean termites are also present, but they burrow in soil. Vast mud mounds can house millions of termites that dig tunnels through the soil to access a home.
PREVENTION
When dealing with unwanted pests, especially those capable of causing extensive damage, prevention is key. Older homes and properties near wooded areas are high risk, but any home could support a colony.
Homeowners should regularly monitor key areas of the home to prevent infestation. These areas include: roof, foundation, windows, gutters, and plumbing. Be sure to reduce or eliminate moisture from potential entry points, as this attracts termites. Monitor wood and exposed foundation for noticeable changes. Most termite infestations are caused by an existing colony near the property, but termites can be introduced into your home via antique or used wood or furniture. It’s important to thoroughly inspect these items before bringing them into your home.
INSPECTION
Termites are a destructive pest, and need to be dealt with as soon as they are detected to minimize damage. If you suspect that termites are affecting your property, schedule a termite inspection with our sister company Bug Tech immediately.
During an inspection, Bug Tech’s licensed and certified pest control team will work to identify the amount of damage, location, size of the colony and effective treatment options. There is a fee for a termite inspection that is deducted from the final cost of treatment.
Before you purchase a home, always purchase a Wood Destroying Insect Report, or WDIR. Some lenders require buyers to conduct a WDIR prior to purchase. In Texas, Veteran Affairs Loans, Federal Housing Authority Loans, and Housing and Urban Development Loans all require a WDIR. Bug Tech is fully qualified to conduct a Wood Destroying Insect Report on your prospective property. Click here to learn more about WDIR.
TREATMENTS
Once termites have been identified and located at a property, Bug Tech offers multiple treatment options to remove them.
Spot Treatment
During a spot treatment, pest control technicians apply a chemical treatment that kills on contact and poisons the termite food source. The goal is to kill the queen, larvae, workers, and soldiers. This option is the most economical treatment, ideal for contained infestations.
Partial Treatment
Partial treatment takes spot treatment one step further, attacking the colony as well as a 10-foot perimeter. This could include flooring or wall cavities where activity is found. Partial treatment also includes treating the outside perimeter of the home, to prevent future termite entry. This option is great for new home construction, where the goal is to prevent the arrival of termites.
Whole House Treatment
Whole house treatment includes the outside perimeter, inside perimeter, and the spot where active termites are living. The entire process can take up to a day.
Subterranean Treatment
Subterranean termites enter the home from the ground and go up into the foundation, floors and walls of the home. Most houses in Lubbock are built on one wooden slab joint; but if you add an addition, there could be multiple. Bug Tech drills into the slab joints to chemically treat termites eating at the foundation.
For homes that don’t have a crawl space or basement, our team is required to remove carpet, tile, or any other flooring in order to drill and treat into a slab joint.
Bug Tech’s licensed team of technicians are experienced in individual and commercial property infestations of termites. Learn more about targeted termite treatment, comprehensive inspections and WDIR reports that can protect and restore your home.