What Are Termite Swarmers?
Termite colonies operate within a caste system where specific termites do specific jobs. The swarmers (winged adults/alates) are part of the reproductive caste system. When established termite colonies mature, swarmers will use their wings to leave the colony and search for new homes. Termite swarmers often get confused with ant swarmers, but termite swarmers have a distinct difference. Termite swarmers have straight antennae and waists that don't pinch; their wings will be relatively similar in size, with many veins running through them. Once swarmers land in a new location, they shed their wings, mate, and look for a suitable nest to start a new colony. Shed wings indoors often signify that a termite infestation is already in full swing. When homeowners become aware of termites indoors, they should contact a pest professional like Big D Pest & Termite Services for effective termite control in McKinney.
How Termites Can Silently Damage Your Home
Termites in McKinney are tiny insects that you typically never hear or see. Squeezing through small cracks and crevices, these insects will silently start to consume the wood in your home. The first visible signs of a termite infestation that homeowners usually pick up on are when they see a bunch of discarded wings lying around doors and windows. When homeowners see this, it's a good indication that worker termites are already hard at work consuming wood products around your home. While infestations don't bring the walls of your home down around your ears overnight, long-term systematic feasting on your McKinney home's wood products can damage things around your home.
Seven damages active termites inflict on McKinney homes include:
- Wallpaper that looks sunken in
- Sagging floors
- Wood that crumbles when poked
- Dark, blistered-looking wood
- Walls that sound hollow when tapping
- Uneven paint appears to be bubbling
- Small drill holes in woodwork
Termites left to themselves over a long period can cause structural issues within a home. It only takes a small colony of about 60,000 workers to plow through a 2x4 board. The longer homeowners are unaware of a termite infestation, the worse the damages. At the first sign of termites, homeowners should immediately contact a pest professional like Big D Pest & Termite for an inspection.
What Attracts Termites To Homes?
Termites are interested in two things for survival – food and moisture. Anything that contains cellulose (the main component in wood) is a definite draw for termites. Unfortunately for homeowners, wood within homes is a termite's primary food source. In addition to wood products, termites must have moisture to survive. When food and moisture sources are readily available within homes, it produces an environment susceptible to a termite invasion.
Six conditions around your home that might be attracting termites in McKinney include the following:
- Excess debris in your yard or under your crawlspace
- Leaks or moisture buildup in attics, basements, and crawlspaces
- Lots of plants close to your siding and foundation
- Mulch that is too close to your foundation walls
- Gutters that are in disrepair and drain spouts that empty too close to your foundation
- Plumbing issues inside that soak wood structures
A vigilant homeowner is a termite's worst nightmare. Homeowners who regularly inspect the inside and outside of their properties can help stop a termite problem before it starts. Vigilant homeowners can also take the additional step of using Big D Pest & Termite Services for preventative termite and pest control services.
The Best Thing To Do If You Spot Signs Of Termite Damage
Stumbling upon evidence of termite damage in your home can be terrifying. Homeowners don't need to panic. Big D Pest & Termite Services is in your local area to help with termite removal. Established in 2001, our family-owned and operated company has over 18 years of experience tackling even the most challenging pests. Our service technicians are Texas certified and stay updated on all the latest products and techniques relative to best pest control practices. We are a company that will always strive to help improve the lives of our customers by keeping homes and businesses pest-free. Contact Big D Pest & Termite Services today for your free estimate and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in McKinney.