Termite Treatment for Home Owners

Termites: they’re tiny but highly destructive, responsible for about five billion dollars in annual replacement costs. Even if you added together the cost of damage from tornadoes, earthquakes, and fires combined, it still won’t come close to the cost of termite damage. The average cost for a homeowner to repair damage caused by these insects is upwards of $3,500. Here at DSR Pest Management, our goal is to catch termite infestation early before it gets out of control, eating into your wallet and causing untold damage to your structural supports. Our termite treatments can get to the root of the problem fast.

From dry-wood to subterranean to damp-wood, there are many species of termites that could be hard at work under your home right now. Some burrow right into wood beams and other supports, while others nest outside the home and burrow in through mud tubes. No matter the species, termites grow exponentially as their colony does, with each insect responsible for a different function. Problem is, most people don’t realize they have termite infestation until the problem because obvious and costly.

Signs You Have Termites

The sooner you can spot termites, the better chance you have of getting rid of them before they cause major damage. Be on the lookout for mud tubes infested with small, white insects. If you have any areas of exposed wood, use a screwdriver to listen for hollow areas where termites might have already caused damage. Be on the lookout for termite swarms as well, which are essentially winged termites that are seeking a new home because they have outgrown their current one.

Here are some more signs to be cautious of:

  • Buckling wood
  • Swollen floors and ceilings
  • Areas with slight water damage
  • Visible mazes within walls or furniture
  • Dry-wood termite droppings, which resemble sawdust or coffee grounds
  • Piles of wings, which indicates swarmers that have entered the next phase of development
  • Swarmers found outdoors near tree stumps and old firewood reveal an infestation on the outside only; swarmers found indoors signals an indoor termite infestation within the home.

Ways to Prevent Termites

If you suspect termites are present, you should always call a termite treatment professional to get rid of them the correct way. However, there are some DIY approaches you can take, such as filling in cracks in the cement. Got leaks? Fix them as soon as possible, as moisture, particularly when it gets into the wood, attracts termites. Remove or cut back plants and overgrown shrubs that are blocking your vents. Refrain from leaving any piles of wood close to your home.

If you have mulch around your home, ensure there is at least a four-inch barrier between the mulch and your foundation. Keep any form of lumber, wood, plants, paper, and cardboard away around the foundation. Here are some more tips:

  • Repair broken roof tiles: Broken tiles create moisture that attracts termites, providing a gateway into your home.
  • Check your attic regularly for signs of termites: Press your thumb against wood supports to check for areas that feel spongy.
  • Refrain from storing cardboard boxes filled with photos and paper in attics and other damp places. This is termites’ favorite food. Use plastic bins with covers instead.
  • Keep furniture away from walls.
  • Keep storage units away from walls in the garage. Use metal stands instead of wood ones.
  • Keep laundry away from walls and off the floor.
  • Use wood furniture sparingly.
  • Be on the lookout for swarms. They are scouting for a new home! Don’t make it easy on them.
  • Be leery of any antique furniture in your home; if you do have some, check it often for signs of infestation.

If you notice any signs of termites, call your trusted local Pest Management company immediately. Professional termite treatments can rid your home of pests before they cause any major problems.

Contact DSR Pest Management in Tucson AZ

If you suspect you have termites, contact DSR Pest Management, Inc. at 520-790-7759. Our technicians will visit your home and provide you with a comprehensive inspection for termites, followed by termite treatment recommendations. Since 2001, our local family-owned and operated company has been providing Tucson and surrounding communities with the highest quality and most affordable Pest Management services available.

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