Termites have been a problem for homeowners for centuries. As far back as since man built homes out of wood, these hungry pests have invaded. Today termites cost Americans alone over five billion dollars each year. A large amount of this money goes towards home-repair costs. If you have not taken the time to consider how much of a problem termites are around Oklahoma City properties, here are a few things to think about today.
About The Termite Caste System
There are a few different kinds of termites in Oklahoma City, with the most being common subterranean termites. Subterranean termites live in large underground colonies run by a caste system. At the head of this system are kings and queens, the reproductive termites. These leaders assign the role of reproductive, worker, or soldier to new members. Workers have the task of gathering food (cellulose) and expanding colonies. Soldiers focus on defending tunnels and living chambers from exterior threats like ants, grubs, etc. During termite season, fully mature termite colonies produce termite swarmers. These are winged reproductive termites can survive up to an hour above the surface. In this time, they look for new sources of food and areas to build. It is not uncommon for more than one termite nest to exist on a property and share a single food source, like a home or dead tree.
How Termites Infest And Damage Wood
A termite problem starts with discovery. Subterranean termites only consume water-damaged or decaying wood. If there is wood like this near the base of your home, termites will find a way to invade. This invasion might involve the construction of mud tubes to climb exterior walls or a direct attack from ground soil directly into structural wood. As active termites chew through a home's wood, they spread moisture damage as they go. This moisture causes swelling and noticeable problems indoors, including tight-fitting doors and windows, moisture spots on floors, walls, and ceilings, and bubbling paint and wallpaper. Given enough time, other more serious problems might develop, such as sagging floors and ceilings, buckling beams, and total structural failure. However, these issues don't happen as frequently because infestations become obvious before they get this bad, in most cases.
Naturally Effective Termite Prevention Tips
When it comes to keeping termites away from your Oklahoma City home, you have a few options. One popular option is natural prevention tips. Here are just a few prevention tips our experts suggest you use.
- Seal gaps and cracks in your home's exterior foundation.
- Address damage to your home's pipes and fixtures.
- Make sure your gutters are clean and working properly.
- Use a dehumidifier indoors.
- Address sources of moisture buildup.
- Remove sticks, leaves, dead trees, stumps, cardboard, newspaper, and things of the sort from your property.
Oklahoma City's Secret Weapon To Total Termite Control
Did you know that most homeowners' insurance doesn't cover termite damage? Your insurance company puts the responsibility of preventing this damage to you. Let the Brandley Pest Control experts visit you to ensure your home doesn't currently have a termite problem. Our team will inspect your home for termites and assess its risk for a future invasion. We will offer a fast working solution to get them out fast if we find any. One of our most popular services is our year-round termite control.
Contact us today to learn more about our termite control plans and the other options you have for pest control in Oklahoma City.