The Best Way To Protect Your South Bend, IN Property From Termites
Termites are one of the most destructive insects in the world, causing billions of dollars worth of damage a year. Subterranean termites and dry wood termites are common species of termite in South bend, Indiana. In each termite colony, there are three groups, workers, soldiers, and reproductive.
- Workers are the largest group; they tunnel through wood and bring back the cellulose to feed the colony.
- Soldiers are the biggest in size, using their large and powerful jaws to protect the colony.
- Reproductive are winged males and females that leave their current colony to establish a new one to reproduce.
In some cultures, termites are even considered a delicacy, but the chances are that you probably don’t consider them a delicacy if you are reading this. And although termites are beneficial to the environment because they help decomposition of decaying plants and trees, this isn’t the case when they get inside a building.
How To Tell If You Have A Termite Problem
Known as “silent destroyers,” termites can go months, even years, without being detected. Because of this, it can be difficult to catch this pest early enough. However, there are several signs you can look for:
- Termite swarmers, which are reproductive termites. They are often the first sign of an infestation and are usually confused for flying ants.
- Discarded wings on windowsills, on the floor by windows and doors
- Mud tubes are created out of moist soil and used to travel from the nest to food. They can be found around the foundation of a building.
- Hollow wood
- Swollen walls and floor panels
- Annual inspections are the best way to ensure you don’t have a termite problem.
If you see signs of a termite infestation on your property, your first instinct may be to get rid of them on your own. But this might not be the best choice.
Why Getting Rid Of A Termite Infestation Isn’t Easy
Getting rid of a termite infestation in South Bend is no easy task and is nearly impossible to do on your own. However, this doesn’t stop people from trying the following techniques:
- Baiting: This is an easy and cheap method that lures the termites and traps them. Baits can be used both below and above ground.
- Liquid Treatment: This is the use of a chemical barrier that will kill and prevent more termites from getting past the barrier.
- Spot Treatment: For certain species, such as drywood, you can spot-treat parts of your house with termicide.
- Boric Acid: This will kill termites and is a cheap option. However, it is a toxic treatment and can irritate people and plants.
Although the techniques listed above can kill termites, they don’t get to the root of the problem. This means the termites will continue to live inside your building, eating away at your home. On top of that, termite infestations are often a sign of a moisture problem, which you may not be able to assess on your own.
If you are dealing with termites in South Bend, don’t try to handle it independently. Instead, consider the best form of termite control from experts.
How Termishield Termite & Pest Protection Can Help
The best way to handle a termite infestation is with professional assistance. If you are a South Bend property owner, you should contact the Termishield Termite & Pest Protection experts at the first sign of a termite problem. We will schedule a thorough inspection of your property to understand the full scope of the termite infestation. Don’t wait; call us at Termishield Termite & Pest Protection today and get started on our effective termite control services.
Tags: termite control | termites in south bend | identifying a termite problem |
Request Your Free Inspection
Complete the form below to schedule your no obligation inspection.