Termite 101

If you have ever experienced a termite infestation, you know that these tiny pests are silent destroyers. By the time you realize they’re in your home, the damage is nearly irrevocable. Learn about these destructive little pests and how you can protect your home from their appetites with the help of the exterminator Las Vegas homeowners can rely on.

Types of Termites

termites need pest control las vegasYou can find termites in your home or in your yard. That is because these insects are detritivore feeders that will eat any plant that is made of cellulose. That means you can find termites feasting on dead plants and trees. That leaves your home as an ideal place for them.

Subterranean termites are the ones that you are most likely going to find in your yard. They build mounds in the soil that are made with complex tunnel systems designed to give them access to dead tree and plant food sources.

Drywood termites are the ones you are most likely to find living in the walls, foundation, furniture, shelves and even books of your home. They are most active in the springtime when they mate. After this time, mated termites find a new site to colonize and breed. That is why termite infestations can end up taking over an entire residence if the issue is not handled quickly.

Protect Your Home

It is possible to protect your home from a termite invasion. You can take the steps to limit the moisture and food a termite colony needs to survive in your home. Just in case those measures don’t work, you want to be sure you are aware of the warning signs so that you can call a pest control Las Vegas service to take care of a developing infestation before the damage becomes too severe.

Eliminate Moisture

Termites need moisture to survive. Follow these steps to cut back on the excess moisture in your home and keep the termites at bay:

  • Keep moisture from leaking into the home by keeping the gutters clean and getting rid of water on the roof. Also check to make sure that water is diverted away from the foundation of your home.
  • Keep moisture from collecting inside the home by repairing leaking faucets, water pipes, and A/C units.
  • Keep termites out by sealing any possible termite entry points that are near water and utility lines or pipes.

Eliminate Food

Next, you want to limit the termites’ access to food in your home as much as possible. You can achieve that with these tips:

  • Make sure the wood on your home doesn’t touch the soil. Also make sure that any firewood or lumber is kept away from the foundation.
  • Make sure there are no stumps or wood based debris close to your home and place screens on the outside vents, just in case.

Warning Signs

Sometimes even the most prepared families cannot prevent a termite infestation. So, make sure you are aware of the warning signs so that you can stop an infestation from developing beyond the point of no return. Here are just a few of those warning signs:

  • Wood sounds hollow when you tap it.
  • There is localized crack or bubbling paint.
  • You find discarded wings from termites that swarm near windows.

If you notice any of these warning signs, don’t wait to contact the pest control Las Vegas service residents trust. For more information about the best pest control Las Vegas offers, contact R & C Pest Control at 702.257.2847.