Termite Takedown: Preventative Measures for Pest Control Edmond OK Homeowners Need to Know

Termites – just one simple mention of the word can send shivers down your spine. These pint-sized pests might seem harmless, but they can cause oceanic problems for homeowners. 

If you live in Edmond, OK, you know that keeping your home safe from termites is important. 

But how do you do that? In this blog post, we’ll explore a few easy and effective preventative measures to keep your home termite-free.

Why Worry About Termites?

First, let’s talk about why termites are such a big deal. Termites eat wood, and your home is full of it. 

From the foundation to the furniture, termites can slowly chew through your house, causing serious damage. This can lead to costly repairs and a lot of stress. In fact, according to the National Pest Management Association, they’re responsible for more than $5 billion in property damage each year.

Unfortunately, here in Edmond, OK, the climate is perfect for termites. The warm, humid weather provides an ideal environment for these pests to thrive. That’s why taking action before you have a problem is key.

Know Your Enemy: The Different Types of Termites

There are three main types of termites you need to know about:

• Subterranean Termites: These are the most common type found in Edmond. They live in the soil and build mud tubes to access wood above ground.
• Drywood Termites: These termites don’t need soil to survive. They often infest dry wood like your furniture or the wooden frames of your house.
• Dampwood Termites: As the name suggests, these termites prefer moist wood. They’re less common but can still cause significant damage if they find a wet spot in your home.

Understanding the types of termites can help you identify them early – and take the right steps to protect your home.

Signs of Termite Infestation

Before we dive into prevention, it’s important to know the signs of a termite infestation. Look out for signs like:

• Mud Tubes: Subterranean termites build these to travel between their nest and food source. You’ll often find them on walls or foundations.
• Wood Damage: If your wood sounds hollow when tapped, it might be termite-damaged. Look for blistering or dark spots on wood surfaces.
• Discarded Wings: Termites shed their wings once they find a place to start a new colony. Finding wings near windows or doors is a red flag.
• Frass: This is termite droppings. It looks like small wood-colored pellets and is usually found near infestations.

If you spot any of these signs, it’s time to take action immediately. Unfortunately, remedying the problem can be difficult, which is why it’s so important to take preventative measures first.

Preventative Measures You Can Take

Prevention is always better than cure for pests like termites. Here are some effective measures you can take to keep termites at bay:

1. Keep Moisture Away

Termites, like other pests, like mosquitoes, love moisture, so you need to make sure that your home stays dry, especially around the foundation.

One of the best things you can do is to fix leaks by repairing any leaking faucets, pipes, or air conditioning units. The same goes for gutters and downspouts – make sure these are clean and directing water away from your home. 

Make sure your home, particularly the basement and attic, is well-ventilated. And finally, be sure that the soil around your foundation slopes away from your house to prevent water pooling.

2. Remove Food Sources

Don’t make it easy for termites to find food. Here are some tips:

• Firewood Storage: Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home and off the ground.
• Wooden Debris: Remove any old tree stumps, roots, or wooden debris from your yard.
• Mulch: Be cautious with mulch. If you use it, keep it at least 15 inches away from your foundation.

3. Regular Inspections

Regular inspections can catch termites before they become a big problem. Hire a pest control professional to inspect your home annually. They have the tools and expertise to spot early signs of termites.

You don’t have to wait for the big guns to show up, either. Between professional inspections, do your own checks. Look for mud tubes, damaged wood, and other signs mentioned earlier.

4. Use Termite-Resistant Materials

When building or renovating, consider using materials that are less attractive to termites. For example, pressure-treated wood is a bit more resilient for structures that come into contact with soil. For foundations and supports, use materials that termites can’t chew through, like steel or concrete. 

5. Chemical Barriers and Treatments

Sometimes, chemicals are necessary to keep termites away. Here are some options:

• Soil Treatments: Treat the soil around your home with termiticides. This creates a barrier that termites can’t cross.
• Bait Stations: Install termite bait stations around your home. These attract termites and poison them, eliminating the colony.
• Wood Treatments: Apply borate solutions to wood during construction. This makes the wood toxic to termites.

The Role of Professional Pest Control

While DIY measures are great, sometimes you need professional help. Pest control experts can provide advanced solutions and peace of mind. From thorough inspections (which can help spot signs of termites that you might miss) to advanced treatments and continuous monitoring services, investing in professional pest control is the way to go. 

Termites may be small, but they can cause big problems if left unchecked. By understanding the types of termites and the signs of infestation, you can act quickly. Implementing preventative measures will help protect your home and save you from costly repairs.

Remember, the key to keeping termites at bay is vigilance and regular maintenance. And if you ever feel overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to call in the professionals here at Summit Pest Solutions.

Don’t wait for termites to make the first move – take action now and protect your home!