Pest Spotlight: Struggling With A Termite Infestation In Del Rio?

Termites are small, soft-bodied insects that are hard to spot by the untrained eye but can cause a lot of damage. Termite infestations are one of the worst issues homeowners could face because these silent invaders can work relentlessly on a home’s wooden structure under and above ground until the house is no longer safe to occupy. Just like mosquitoes, termites play an important part in our ecosystem. They are helpful for a variety of reasons, including breaking down plant matter, but they are unwelcome bugs in Texas houses where they will wreak havoc unnoticed, sometimes for many years. While you might be able to take care of some mild pest infestations with homemade treatments, termites are one type that is rarely affected by DIY termite control. Trying to exterminate them on your own can expose you to dangerous chemicals and cause an infestation to grow significantly larger if you can’t reach every single one of them. If you are dealing with a termite problem, it is time to learn about the life cycle of a termite colony, understand how quickly termites can destroy a house, and discover what attracts them to homes. When it comes to termite infestations, Gold Star Exterminators - Del Rio provides pest control in Del Rio that you can rely on to get rid of these destructive wood-eating pests quickly and safely. Our team of experts has the experience and training required to assess the extent of an infestation, devise treatment plans that keep your family safe but are foolproof to get rid of termites, and recommend prevention strategies that work.

Learning about the life cycle of a termite colony is important because these pesky insects are resilient, can molt into reproductive alates if needed, and have kings and queens that can live for many years. A termite colony can start with only a few termites, and it will thrive and grow until it contains over a million workers. The process can take as little as six years. The termites in Del Rio go through three stages, from egg to nymph to adult. Termite nymphs can’t feed themselves, and neither can the soldiers who protect the colony. Feeding them is the job of the worker termites, who can’t reproduce but are the ones that will chew on and digest your wooden beams and dig tunnels through your foundation. Non-reproductive termites can molt and turn into reproductive ones if there is a threat to the colony or if it needs to grow. You can recognize adult termites by their oval, light-colored, or brown bodies and strong jaws that are bigger for soldier termites. If you see flying termites around your home, it can mean that these reproductive types are looking for a place to start a colony, but they can sometimes indicate an existing infestation. The fairly complex life cycle of termites is one reason why getting rid of them can be very difficult. If you do not eliminate termites at every stage of the life cycle, a new infestation can start, and treatments will need to reach every single one in the tiniest cracks of your home. Unfortunately, getting rid of every single termite is necessary to put an end to the damage they are causing.

How Quickly Can Termites Destroy A House?

The speed at which termites can destroy a house will depend on the size of the colony. A small settlement can take several years to cause significant damage, but a full-size one can make a home inhabitable in as little as a few months. If you have just noticed signs of termites in your home, you might think that the infestation is still in the early stages. However, that’s not always the case. Termites can go undetected for a long time. Subterranean termites, for instance, require contact with soil and moisture and prefer to live under the house within the foundation. While the colony grows, the termites will dig mud tubes, or tunnels, which connect them to the other termites as well as food sources. The larger the colony grows, the more likely you will see these mud tubes on your property. Even with drywood termites, which prefer to live in walls and feast on wooden beams and other wooden structures, the damage may take some time to be noticeable, and you might fail to associate some clues, like buckling floorboards and loose tiles, with active termites. The wood shavings called frass that termites leave behind might make you suspect that you are dealing with wood-destroying pests. If you think you might have a termite problem or have just dealt with one and don’t wish to see it return, read on to learn about the main factors that attract termites to homes.

What Attracts Termites To Homes?

Many factors attract termites to your home, and they will depend on the types of termites you are dealing with, their location, and more. That said, this list of what draws these destructive pests to your house covers a lot of ground:

• Existing structural damage: It is easier for pests of all kinds to come indoors if your home has structural damage that can serve as entry points. Cracks in your foundation, poorly fitted windows and doors, or damaged walls can make it easier for termites to get in.
• Dry and moisture-damaged wood: It does not matter if the wood in your home is old or new, dry or moisture-clogged. One type of termite or another will be able to feast on it. In general, drywood termites prefer dry wood, dampwood termites prefer water-damaged wood, and subterranean termites prefer wood that is in contact with soil and moisture.
• Leaks and stagnant water: Several species of termites need water and will be attracted to areas with active leaks and stagnant water. Be sure to keep stagnant water sources away from your home, including clogged drains outdoors.
• High humidity levels and poor airflow: If your home is high in humidity and has poor airflow, it can provide a perfect environment for termites to thrive. Consider installing dehumidifiers or fans to dry things out.
• A cluttered backyard: Keeping stacks of wood or decaying plant materials can be an important factor in termite infestations. 

There are many reasons termites might have infested your home, and the Del Rio area is known for dealing with termites year-round. When in doubt, it is always best to ask for advice from a professional pest control company that can help you understand why termites took over and what you can do to get rid of them safely.

Professional Termite Control Is A Great Idea For Del Rio Homes

Professional termite control is the best way to get rid of termites for good while also preventing them from returning. At Gold Star Exterminators - Del Rio, we are proud to serve the Del Rio area with consistent and reliable termite control. Contact us for a free, no-obligation estimate. Having been in the business for more than 40 years, we have the experience needed to tackle most pest infestations, including termites and other wood-destroying pests like carpenter ants. We can show you how to ensure your yard does not become a termite magnet and why they were able to come inside your home. And, of course, we can take care of your existing infestation using the latest products proven to work while keeping your family safe. As leaders in commercial and residential pest control, we strive to provide excellent pest control treatments with top-rated customer service. After your initial home inspection, you will see why we are one of the best-reviewed pest control companies in the area. From drywood termites or subterranean termites, we use the most effective products available to not only exterminate them but also allow you to safely return to your home soon after. Each of our termite treatment options for your home comes with its own quote so that you can choose the best option for your needs, including popular methods like specialized foam for drywood termites and services that allow for spot treatments. We also offer one to five-year guarantees to give you the peace of mind you deserve. Pests might be a common sight outdoors, but you do not have to deal with them in your home, especially when they can cause costly damage. 

Termites are destructive and tirelessly work all day and night to digest your home’s wooden structure and dig tunnels through your foundation. Americans spend billions of dollars every year trying to fix the damage they cause. Do not wait and risk dealing with collapsing floors and ceilings or damaged beams and walls. While termites can be impossible to exterminate on your own, our licensed technicians have taken care of termite infestations for decades and can get rid of them for you safely. Contact us today to schedule a home inspection and put this dangerous infestation behind you for good.

Gold Star has been spraying our house for a few years now and I can't express how much it has helped.  I was spraying Demon WD myself and barely made an impact on the scorpions and spiders.  after they started doing it, we have very few sightings now.  Great company.

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