Different species of termites are found in many parts of the country. These destructive wood pests can invade homes where they have access to food. To prevent a termite infestation in your home, you must embrace best practices for pest control Austin as well as understand how and why you should be worried about them.
Do Termites Live in Austin?
Some termites affect the Texas region. These include the following:
- Subterranean termites. The majority of termites burrow deep into woods and create elaborate tunneling systems throughout. But unlike most termites, subterranean termites build their nests underground. Also, they create elaborate tunnels underground and on the surface to travel to and from their food source. Usually, you will see muddy veins such as tunneling systems on the ground near your home’s foundation if you have these termites on your property.
- Western dry wood termites. These termites thrive indoors and will feed and burrow on dry wood. They are usually found inside the wood interior framing of your home and can destroy a huge part of it when left unchecked. They prefer drier wood versus wet wood or freshly cut wood. They are usually attracted to older homes.
- Desert damp wood termites. These termites also live underground, often next to or under damp wood objects such as dying or decaying trees. They feed on damp, softer woods and are usually found in gutter systems where they feed on decaying leaves and tree limbs that get caught inside them.
Should You Be Worried about Termites?
Subterranean termites feed on the cellulose materials found in nearly any type of wood, including framing, siding, furniture, structure, and frames. Also, they can feed on cellulose in paper, cotton, and books. A single colony can consume up to five grams of wood every day. If a termite infestation goes unnoticed, it can inflict serious structural damage. And this infestation can go on forever if not discovered and addressed. A termite queen can lay 5, 000 to 10, 000 eggs every year.
What’s the Ideal Season for Termites?
As the temperature reaches 70 degrees, termite swarmers emerge from their over-winter nests to find mates. After they mate, coupled termites break off their wings and find a nest. The queen begins to produce eggs once they find a good spot, forming a colony. While cold winters can kill termites, colonies may wait out the winter indoors to survive. Colonies may start to form in early- to mid-June.
Eliminating a termite infestation permanently can be hard without professional help. Termite eggs are well-hidden in walls and hatch quickly. Professional exterminators have the equipment and experience required to safely and effectively get rid of termite colonies.