Termites are worrisome problems for West Palm Beach property owners. They live in the soil around properties and use mud tunnels to reach the exterior of buildings. When they get inside, they'll feast on the wood in your house. Since wood is a primary component of many homes, this can result in structural damage.
The longer you allow termites to exist in your home or business, the more damage they'll cause. Unfortunately, these pests are hard to discover because of their tiny sizes and tendency to stay hidden. West Palm Beach pest control professionals can find these creatures, eliminate their presence in your building, and prevent future infestations. Keep reading to learn more about termites in West Palm Beach.
Know The Warning Signs Of A Termite Infestation
Termites are hard to see because they live underground, building tubes consisting of mud to reach homes above ground and eating wood from the inside out. In most cases, you won't see these pests when they invade your building. However, there are some signs of termites to watch for on your West Palm Beach property, including:
- Termite swarmers: These winged adults depart the nest to form a new colony.
- Shed termite wings: Termites lose their wings after their mating flights.
- Termite frass: Their feces appear as small piles that look like sawdust.
- Round holes in wood: Termites create small holes to enter wood.
These signs can help you discover the presence of termites in your building, but you probably won't be able to determine where they are. Termite control professionals can inspect your property to find these pests, eliminate them, and keep others from infesting your property.
The Extent Of Property Damage Termites Can Create
Due to their tiny size, termites don't cause visible damage overnight. Instead, they create holes in your wood and eat small amounts from the inside out. The problem is that these insects can remain hidden while causing damage. As a result, you might not know they're in your home, enabling them to cause significant problems over time.
It can take years for evidence of termite damage to appear. However, Formosan termites eat through wood faster than other species and can cause structural problems in as little as six months. Unfortunately, they're among the most common termite species in South Florida.
Reasons And Factors For Termite Infestations
The most common reason termites invade structures is for wood which serves as a food source. They're also attracted to buildings that provide easy entry points and moisture that softens wood, making it easier for them to get inside and eat. Some of the common factors that attract these pests to West Palm Beach buildings include:
- Woodpiles
- Moisture
- Clogged gutters.
- Mulch
Removing these factors can dissuade termites from invading your building. However, most buildings feature wood and have soil in yards, providing an attractive environment for these pests. If they get into your structure, you'll need assistance from termite removal professionals.
The Benefits Of Year-Round Professional Termite Control
Subterranean and drywood termites are among the most destructive kinds of termites that invade buildings. Unfortunately, they thrive in humid environments, making them a year-round problem in South Florida. For this reason, professional termite control is essential to protect your structure.
At Empire Pest Defense, our technicians provide West Palm Beach residents with trench and treat services to deal with subterranean termites. We'll treat your exterior to prevent entry and use bait stations to draw out those already inside. Additionally, we provide spot treatments for drywood termites, drilling into undamaged wood and filling it with foam. Call us to learn more about our termite and pest control options.