San Antonio Termite Control

Professional Termite Control Options

A professional pest control company will use these options to eliminate termites:

• Fumigation. Fumigation is the most effective termite treatment. It involves preparing and tenting your home. The tent is then filled with a lethal gas that penetrates deep into the wood to wipe out the infestation. All people, pets, and plants must be removed from the home before fumigation.
• Liquid treatment. An exterminator may use liquid treatment in some cases. This is where liquid chemicals are applied to the soil under the concrete flooring or around the perimeter of your property’s foundation to treat termites. They can be used indoors and outdoors and are safe for children and pets.
• Baiting stations. Baiting stations work well for certain termites, such as subterranean termites. Worker termites take the bait and transfer it throughout the nest, killing the colony.

Types of Termites

There are actually thousands of termite species in the world. Here are the main ones you need to worry about in your home:

• Subterranean termite. Subterranean termites tend to cause the most damage of any termite species. Wood is their main diet. They eat it 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These termites use their saw-toothed jaws to eat small pieces of wood one bite at a time. Over time, these termites can cause so much damage that they can cause a building to collapse. Subterranean termites can be found in Texas and every other state except Alaska. Their colors range from creamy white to dark black. They are long, narrow, and oval and are ⅛ inch in length.
• Drywood termite. Drywood termites thrive in hard, dry wood inside homes. This includes the structure of a home as well as banisters, furniture, and picture frames. They make colonies in the wood and can cause just as much damage as other termite species. Drywood termites are commonly found on the West Coast, as well as in Florida and Hawaii. However, they can also be found in Texas. They are creamy white or light brown and can be up to 1 inch long.
• Dampwood termite. Dampwood termites need excessive moisture and therefore prefer wet wood, such as logs, dead trees, posts, and poles. However, they may attack homes if there is water around the foundation. They are creamy white or brownish and up to ⅝ inch long.
• Conehead termite. These termites have a cone-shaped head, hence the name. They tend to live in trees and shrubs but may also infest fences and paper products. Conehead termites are aggressive and cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. They are easily identifiable due to their cream bodies and dark brown heads. They are very small, only about 4 mm long.
• Formosan termite. Formosan termites are often referred to as “super termites,” as they are the most voracious, aggressive, and devious of all termite species. They can chew wood, flooring, and wallpaper undetected. They are creamy white or brown in appearance. They are ½ inch long and can be found in Texas and other states, particularly on the East Coast.

Signs of Termite Infestation

Termites tend to be more active in spring and summer, when the weather is warmer. Still, these pests can inhabit your home at any time. You’ll want to know the signs of a termite infestation so you can seek professional termite control right away. If you wait too long, you risk severe damage to your home. The quicker you act, the better.

Here are some common signs of termite infestation:

• Stuck windows or doors. Termites like to eat the wood around windows and door frames. This can cause the wood to warp and make it harder to open and close windows and doors.
• Damage under paint or wallpaper. Termites may create pin holes and tunnels while feeding on cardboard and wood paneling underneath your walls.
• Mud tubes. Mud tubes look like narrow veins and can be found along the side of your home. If you find mud tubes, break off a piece and check for live termites.
• Termite droppings. Termite droppings, or frass, look like wood dust or shavings. However, you may not see any, as some termites use their frass to make tunnels.
• Piles of wings left behind after swarms. If you find discarded wings near windowsills and entryways, you may have a termite problem.
• Flying termite swarms. Termites can fly, so if you see them flying inside your home, that’s clear, visible evidence of termites.
• Wood that sounds hollow when tapped. Termites may build tunnels inside wood. They eat the wood, so it will sound hollow when tapped.
• Crumbling, damaged wood. Again, termites are known for wood damage, so if you see damaged wood inside your home, you can bet a termite did it.
• Maze-like patterns in furniture or walls. Termites may eat wood in a pattern.

Contact Us Today

Dealing with insects in your home is something that no homeowner should have to contend with alone. If you have termites or other insects in your home, contact Stride Pest Control today.

Our San Antonio termite control experts can help eradicate termites, ants, mosquitos, hornets, spiders, scorpions, and other pests from your home. Request a free quote today. Give us a call at (210) 547-8410 or fill out the online form.