Important Things to Know About Moses Lake Termite Control
Moses Lake is a small city, but it boasts a fairly big population that grows every year. It is here that you will find Washington’s premier outdoor aquatic center that is a big draw for people of all ages. Unfortunately, it is not only residents that love it here. Termites do, too, and they cause significant damage each and every year. If you suspect that you have termites in your home, below are some of the most important things you need to know about Moses Lake termite control.
The Subterranean Termite is the Most Common in Moses Lake
After detecting a termite infestation, the first thing to do is to identify the type of pest you are dealing with. Fortunately, the most common type of Moses Lake, and throughout Washington, is the subterranean termite. Subterranean termites prefer temperate climates where they can find damp wood. Subterranean termites use the soil to burrow below your home where they will look for cracks in the foundation that can provide access to the wood that makes up the structure of a house.
Do I Have Termites?
Termites and ants share much of the same DNA, so it is not surprising that the two pests are often mistaken for one another. However, it is critical that you correctly identify the type of pest you are dealing with so you can correct the problem and stop more damage from occurring.
Termites are generally creamy white to a dark brown in color, while ants are usually black, brown, or dark red. A termite’s head is also quite large, which allows them to chew through wood looking for the cellulose inside much easier. Their bodies often appear translucent and they are also quite thin.
Even if you have not spotted termites in your home, you can still look for signs of the pests. The main signs to look for are as follows:
- Wood that sounds hollow when it is tapped, as termites chew wood from the inside out
- Discarded wings, particularly around window sills, that indicate termites have swarmed to set up a new colony
- Cracks in paint, particularly when they are found on wooden surfaces
- Mud tubes, formed by termites for protection and moisture as they make their way to the home that is their source of food
- Mounds that look similar to salt, but that are actually termite waste
After finding any of these signs in your home, it is critical that you speak to a Moses Lake termite control specialist. It is likely that damage has already started and an expert can put an end to it quickly.
Getting Rid of Termites in Moses Lake
Once you have learned of a termite problem, you may be tempted to head out and find the nearest do-it-yourself solution. You will find plenty of them in the city, but using these products is not usually recommended. The products available on the market are usually ineffective and when the chemicals within them are not handled properly, they can become particularly dangerous. To completely eradicate a termite problem, you must eliminate the entire colony, and most products available on the market are not able to do this.
Unlike with other pest problems, you also do not have the benefit of time. As you buy and use product after product to no avail, the termites are still causing serious damage with every passing day. The only way to effectively and safely get rid of termites is to contact a professional termite control company.
