What do you know about termites in Marshalltown? You've likely heard about termites and the destruction they cause, but you might not know much about these pests or how to prevent them. While it's easy to assume that a termite problem could never happen to you, these pests are surprisingly common. It's better to take the time to learn about Marshalltown termite control before you have an infestation, as you'll save a lot of time and money this way.
Find out more about preventing termites in this guide from the Marshalltown pest control experts at Schendel Pest Control.
Obvious Signs Of Termites To Watch For Around Your Property
The first step in termite control is knowing how to identify an infestation, and this process isn't always straightforward. Termites live in underground colonies or within wooden items, so you're unlikely to see them just crawling around.
While some termites in the colony, the termite swarmers, leave the nest at times to reproduce, these pests are generally hard to spot. There are, however, some other signs of termites to watch out for, such as:
- Seeing discarded termite wings piled up around your yard or inside the building
- Discovering signs of termite damage such as doors that fit tightly in their frames and squeaky floorboards
- Finding termite frass around your property
Termite frass is often one of the best ways to identify an established termite problem. Termites push the frass, their droppings, out of the tunnels they create. Depending on the species, these droppings usually look like sawdust or small wooden pellets.
The Extent Of Damage Termites Can Cause To Your Property
Most people with a termite infestation spend at least a few thousand dollars on repairs. But, the destruction often gets even worse. Termite damage usually becomes visible after a year or two, but at this point, there's probably internal damage to the structure that you're not seeing. Then, after around eight to ten years, termites can destroy a building.
The longer termites are around, the more damage they do. The best way to spot a termite infestation early is with annual termite inspections. And you can also spend time preventing termites by following a few simple steps.
Natural Ways To Make Your Property Less Attractive To Termites
The best way to prevent termites isn't always to go to the store and buy products. You can take many natural steps now to make your property less attractive to these pests. We suggest following these measures:
- Remove Moisture Issues: Start by getting rid of standing water around your property and fixing leaky plumbing.
- Install A Soil Barrier: One of the best ways to deter subterranean termites is to construct a barrier between the soil and the foundation.
- Clean Up Your Property: Get rid of water-damaged wood around the yard. Also, store firewood and lumber in a dry, organized manner away from the house's exterior.
Finally, you can get reliable termite prevention services through home pest control plans.
The Key To Total Termite Control For Your Property
Termites are difficult to detect, and while you can help prevent them, you could still end up with an infestation. If you face a termite problem, don't try to remove these pests yourself. They are nearly impossible to remove using DIY termite control methods, so you'll save yourself the stress and waste of resources by reaching out to professionals right away.
Contact Schendel Pest Control today to learn more about termite inspection and removal options.
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