At The Homeowner’s Guide To Assessing Termites In Westwood, Massachusetts
Termite Exterminator
At F&W Pest Control, we understand the alarm and panic homeowners feel when they suspect destructive termites have infested their home in Westwood, Massachusetts. Termites, also known as ?white ants? or ?silent destroyers? can cause significant structural damage in no time if not dealt with promptly. Quick and effective termite identification and treatment is paramount to help protect and preserve the integrity of your property.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the signs of termite infestation, and the protocols homeowners in Westwood, MA should adhere to take swift and decisive action. We’ll cover the various prevention measures you should take to avoid a termite infestation in the first place and what to do to investigate, identify, and act upon suspicious signs.
What Are Termites and How Do They Affect Your Home?
Termites belong to the Isoptera order and are commonly referred to as white ants, due to their insect-like bodies and pale, white color. They are social insects that form colonies, meaning that they work together to build habitats, find food, and defend their nests.
Termites can cause extensive damage to wooden structures. They feed on cellulose materials such as paper, cardboard, and, most commonly, wood. Termites are highly destructive as they work in colonies, passing through tiny voids in the walls of buildings, working cooperatively to quickly strip the wood of its strength and integrity, while rotting even the hardest and densest hardwoods such as teak and oak. Unfortunately, it is very difficult and costly to identify and repair major structural damage caused by termites.
Signs of Termite Infestation
Homeowners should look out for the following signs of termite infestation to take swift and decisive action:
1. Mud Tubes: These small tubes are formed when termites travel along the base of a wall and back up through the foundation to the nest in a process termed ?shelter tube construction?. Mud tubes are typically the first sign of an infestation and should be addressed as soon as possible.
2. Swarmers: After a termite colony is established and gets to a certain size, reproductive termites (swarmers) will fly out from the nest in search of a new place to create a new colony. Winged reproductive termites usually appear during the warm spring months, but could appear at other times depending upon the type of termite.
3. Discarded Wings: After emerging from their original nest, the swarmers shed their wings, which may be seen scattered around windowsills, doorframes, and external surfaces.
4. Damage: Wood damage could be seen when inspecting the inner walls of a home, in the form of holes, hollowed out centers, and weakened timbers.
5. Mounds & Galleries: If an infestation is left untreated, termites can cause large mounds of dirt and mud to form on the ground near the foundation of your home, or create galleries in the walls of the house where the workers tunnel through.
Prevention
It is best to take a proactive approach to termite prevention and establish a year-round pest management plan with us to identify any potential issues before they can become costly problems. To prevent potential termite issues, homeowners should:
? Thoroughly inspect the interior and exterior of your property and make sure all wood structures are sealed and there are no accumulations of excess moisture.
? Keep yards and gardens free from excess wood, leaves, and debris (termites love wood!)
? Consider attacking termites with specialized baits, such as Fipro, that don’t require harsh chemicals.
? Make sure gutters and downspouts are regularly cleaned and in good condition to prevent any standing water near your property.
? Consider installing termite bait stations around your property at regular intervals.
? Have an experienced and reputable exterminator inspect your property every year.
If you suspect you have a termite infestation on your property in Westwood, MA, it’s essential that you call a professional pest control service right away. Don’t wait until it’s too late! Follow the protocols we’ve outlined for you and get in touch with us today. With our experienced staff and advanced tools and technologies, we’ll help you get rid of those destructive pests and protect the integrity of your property long-term. Get in touch today and let’s start getting your property back to normal, right away.
Pest Control Near Me
Searching for an easy fix to your pest problems? Here at F&W Pest Control, our exterminators will treat an array of different pest issues including termites, bed bugs, mosquitoes, and more! Long-term protection is right at your reach with the help of our highly trained team of exterminators in the Greater Boston area. Don’t allow pests to take over your home, put your trust in our pest control services to ensure a pest-free home. With our help, you won’t have to spend any more free time implementing DIY extermination methods!
