Local Hillsboro Termite Control

• Wings: As a termite colony matures, young termites leave the colony to create new ones. Once or twice a year, the termites will swarm as they fly through the air together. After they have found the location for the new colony, they shed their wings. Wings found outside of the home are a sure indication that termites may have created their new colony in or around a home. Wings typically appear on the ground, on windowsills, and in spider webs. Although wings around the home may sound like an obvious sign, many homeowners do not know to look for them because swarms typically happen in the morning or afternoon, which are hours when people are away from home.
• Mud tubes: Mud tubes serve two purposes for termites. The first is that the tubes provide protection as the insects travel from their colony to their source of food. Mud tubes also allow termites to conserve water. Termites create mud tubes using tiny particles of debris, wood, and soil. Mud tubes are quite small, but are easily spotted when a person knows what to look for. Subterranean termites, the most destructive type, often create these tubes close to the foundation of a home.
• Droppings: Just like any other insect, termites will leave droppings behind as they chew through walls and other structures. Droppings are typically found in mounds and often they are wood-colored.
• Damaged walls: Hopefully, homeowners can spot the other signs of termites before they notice visible damage. Paint that is bubbling or damaged or wood that sounds hollow when tapped are good indications that termites have made their way inside.

Preventing Termites

It is devastating when homeowners learn that termites have invaded their home. Fortunately, following the tips below can help prevent termites, and the damage they cause.

• Seal access points: Gaps around windows, doorways, and utility lines inside and outside the home should always be sealed. Also closely examine the exterior wood of the home and seal entry points there, too.
• Treat wood: Wood that touches the ground outside of the home is very attractive to termites. If you do have exterior wood that touches the ground, make sure it is treated with a repellant spray to prevent termites from getting into the home. Drywood termites will also seek out dead wood, such as dead trees and firewood, for shelter, so it is important to avoid keeping these in the yard or regularly inspect them for termites.
• Remove wood: When identifying the wood outside of your home, it is easy to miss items such as mulch. In these areas, use glucose-free options that are less attractive to termites.
• Remove moisture: Like all living creatures, termites need moisture to survive. Repair leaky plumbing and moisture issues in crawl spaces and in the basement to prevent termites.
• Mesh screens: Homeowners should always fit foundation vents and chimneys with mesh screens to keep many different types of creatures out. Screens can also prevent termites from entering a home.
• Regular inspections: The only real way to prevent termites is to regularly inspect the home, particularly any wooden components. People that use lumber in the garden or around the home should inspect it fully before bringing it near the home.

Unfortunately, these prevention tactics do not always keep termites out of the home. When that is the case, it is important to call in professional help.