Seven Common Misconceptions About Termites & Termite Control In Houston
Termites are a real problem in Houston. The heat and humidity in Texas make these destructive pests a problem in Texas all year long. Termites are highly destructive and feed on the cellulose found in wood constantly. A typical termite colony of about 60,000 can consume up to a foot of pine wood in six months.
We know a lot about termites, the destruction they cause, and how difficult it can be to get rid of them without seeking professional pest control help, but what don’t we know? Here are seven common myths about termites and termite control in Houston:
- Myth: Termites are part of the ant family. Termites may appear to look like ants, but they are not part of the ant family. They are not even closely related to ants. Termite “swarmers” often look like white ants. Genetic research has shown that termites are more closely related to cockroaches and often considered to be a social cockroach.
- Myth: Termites can chew through concrete. Termites cannot chew through concrete, although you may see what appears to termites chewing through concrete at times. They do not get any nutritional value from concrete at all, nor do they use it to build nests. If you see termites trying to chew through concrete, it’s only to get at lumber that may be around the base of the concrete.
- Myth: Brick houses are safe from termites. Wooden houses are indeed much more susceptible to termites, but if there’s wood to be found, termites will find it. Brick homes may be primarily brick, but there can be wood within the home that attracts termites. Behind walls, framing timbers, parts of your attic, and flooring are at risk for termite damage.
- Myth: Treating for termites means they will never come back. This isn’t true. While termite prevention and treatment can significantly reduce the risk of termites returning, they can still come back. Regular inspections and treatments are the only way to ensure you don’t get termites again.
- Myth: Termite infestations are easy to spot. Termites can be hard to detect. They are silent destroyers. The only time you can see visual evidence of a termite infestation is when they are swarming, typically during warmer months, looking to start new termite colonies. Termites are always at work. You can detect them by looking for signs such as frass (termite droppings) and listening for sounds behind your wall, but without close inspection, termites will continue to build their colony, undetected for a long time. By the time they are detected, your home can have severe damage.
- Myth: Termites carry disease. Termites do not carry any pathogens that are known to harm humans or even pets. They may cause asthma attacks in people who have allergies, but the real problem with termites lies in their destructive nature.
- Myth: DIY termite measures will work just fine to control termites. No, they won’t. Over the counter sprays, liquid treatments, and termite bait may work temporarily, but they aren’t effective in the long term. Worse still, some of these do-it-yourself methods can be harmful to people and pets without accomplishing anything.
In the end, the only fact about termites is that professional pest control is best.
Professional pest and termite control is the only approach that will protect your home against termites and the damage they cause. Pest control experts can assess a termite problem and deal with it quickly and effectively.
Modern Pest Control in Houston
If you have a termite problem in your Houston home or are worried about a possible infestation, the professionals at Modern Pest Control can help. We will determine if you have termites and then implement a plan to rid your home of termites. We will also set up a plan to help keep termites away from your home in the future.
Our pest control experts are ready to help you get rid of termites today. Reach out to us today; we have the knowledge and the tools to help you with your termite problems.