Among other structures comprised of wood, termites have a bad reputation for destroying homes and businesses. In the U.S. alone, termites have cost people billions of dollars a year. With the exception of Antarctica with termites being on every continent. The problem can be taken care of before there is excessive damage for those that can recognize the signs of termites. We at A-Tex Pest Management would like to elaborate further on the matter of termites infesting in your yards.
What is a Termites Favorite Food?
Because they will devour fallen and dying trees, termites are considered beneficial, ecologically. To learn their tree is being eaten by termites, homeowners will inspect an ailing tree or call a professional inspection all too often. A necessity for termites is eating wood and other cellulose materials to survive. As their numbers can reach hundreds of thousands of termites, they can quickly consume large volumes of wood. Remaining active all year long, all of the soldiers, king and queen, swarmers (reproductive males and females), and workers along with the nymphs are all needing sustenance.
What Does Termite Damage Look Like on Trees?
Termites can easily take over a healthy tree after devouring the more favorable, already dead or dying as most termite species infest the softer wood. Some signs include piles of termite carcasses, wood shavings, discarded wings if new swarmers from a previous colony moved in as well as mud shelter tubes built to access the tree and small white eggs around the base. You can commonly dig just below the soil line at the root of the trees to confirm the termite colony.
DIY VS Professional Termite Treatment
In addition to management treatments and professionals’ services, apply the following steps to ensure the termites are effectively removed.
1) All infested stumps, limbs and branches need to be removed and disposed of.
2) Any nearby firewood stacks should be burned or discarded.
3) Apply a reputable termiticide and preventative products to the infested areas to offer your home more protection. A 3-foot radius around the base of all infested and all neighboring trees should be treated by using a reputable and efficient termiticide product. If the infestation is higher, follow the application of the product at least a foot beyond their reach, at a minimum of 2 feet up the tree, continue the application. Be sure that you administer the termiticide on the surface of the entire yard floor, concentrating particularly around the infested areas. If you place termite traps, be sure that around the base of all your trees and the foundation of your home. Contact a professional as soon as possible, monitor the yard for termites, even weeks after treatment and if you find more. Termites are more than a nuisance; they are beyond destructible and having an infestation not properly eliminated can cost you thousands of dollars in repairs. As they can be a challenge to ensure they are all eliminated, however, if your mind is set, consider the suggestions above by eliminating the termites yourself is strongly discouraged. You will simply have a new infestation in a short period, so efficiency is vital if any survive.
Termite Pest Inspections, Treatment, Control, Removal & More in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park Texas
To ensure the termites are efficiently terminated around your Austin, TX home, call A-Tex Pest Management and let us assist you!
