Termite season is fast approaching, and when it comes to these wood-destroying pests, early detection can save you a lot of time, money, and headaches. Termites live in large colonies and eat wood 24 hours a day, seven days a week, making them a formidable pest. Most of their activity occurs in areas you don’t see: inside the wood in walls, under floors, or in ceilings, but they leave some clues if you know what to look for.

This article will explore the do’s and don’ts of dealing with a termite invasion in your home. We explain the importance of regular termite inspections, the risks of ignoring possible warning signs, and why you should avoid attempting DIY treatments. Continue reading to learn more about effective termite control in St. Charles with the pros from Pest Control Consultants (PCC).

Do Inspect Your Home For Termites Regularly

Regularly inspecting your house for signs of termites can help you catch an infestation sooner, reducing the time they have to eat through the wood in your home. The following list describes the signs to look for when you inspect your house:

• Tubes made of mud on the foundation or walls
  Wood that is soft or sounds hollow when tapped
  Wood structures that appear to be blistering or darkening
  Paint that starts to bubble or looks uneven
  Flying termites or discarded wings near windows

Reproductive termites swarm in the spring, usually the morning after a warm, rainy day. These flying termites indicate a colony is near or inside the house and are sometimes the only evidence you’ll see. Contact us today at PCC if you notice signs of termites or to schedule a professional termite inspection.

Don’t Ignore Warning Signs Of An Infestation

Taking action if you see early warning signs of termites can help you avoid significant damage. Subterranean termites are the species that infest homes in our area, and mature colonies can have up to two million workers eating away at the wood in your house. A smaller colony with 60,000 workers can consume more than two feet of a 2×4 board in one year.

Because termites often avoid detection, infestations can go unnoticed for years, causing expensive and extensive damage. Homeowners’ insurance policies consider termites a preventable pest and are unlikely to provide coverage, which can have devastating financial consequences. Contact us today at PCC to learn more about how we can prevent these destructive pests from ever entering your home.

Don’t Rely On DIY Methods

While there may be a few pests you can eliminate with DIY methods, trying to treat a termite infestation in your home alone is never recommended. Determining where the termites are active requires the experience and tools of a professional pest control company. DIY attempts can also backfire, spreading the termites to other areas of the house.

Over-the-counter products can be risky to use, especially around children or pets. The safest, most effective way to remove termites is to work with the pros. Contact us today at PCC to learn more about our termite control solutions.

Do Call The Professional At The First Sign Of Termites

If you notice flying termites around your home this spring or see other signs of their activity, it is time to call in the pros. PCC offers expert termite control near you to eliminate these insects or prevent them from ever invading. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule your inspection.