Termites are nuisance pests that often leave Reno homeowners with extensive property damage and thousands of dollars worth of repairs. While professional pest control companies are best equipped to tackle a termite problem, some homeowners may be tempted to try DIY methods instead of calling the experts. DIY termite control, however, simply isn't worth the hassle. Read on to discover how professional pest control in Reno is the best approach for your termite problem and why our team at Celtic Pest Control is the right one for you.
The Types Of Termites That Infest Reno Homes
Termites are unsettling to deal with. There are several types of termites in Reno that can infest homes, including:
- Subterranean termites: These are the most common type of termites found in Reno and throughout Nevada. They live underground and tunnel both through the ground and into the wood of homes and most other structures.
- Drywood termites: These termites do not need to live in soil. They are commonly found in dry, wooded areas.
- Dampwood termites: These termites are generally found in areas with high humidity, such as near sources of water. They prefer damp, rotting wood.
The subterranean termite, in particular, can be found in significant proportions in Reno and other cities in Nevada. This pest is considered a serious economic timber pest that causes millions of dollars of damage throughout the regions where it is located, including Reno. It is estimated that more than one in five homes have been or will be attacked at some time by these insatiable little insects.
Termite identification can be tricky, and subterranean termites are no exception. Subterranean termites are small in size, about 1/8" long, and are soft-bodied insects. Worker subterranean termites have no wings, are blind, and work 24 hours a day for their entire life span.
Subterranean termites are also known for having sharp survival instincts. If they are disturbed, these termites often will usually desert the area and silently move somewhere else nearby. This way, they can continue to discreetly cause damage in other areas of your property. If you find subterranean termites nearby, it is crucial that you leave them alone and contact a termite expert near you.
Unsure as to whether you have subterranean, drywood, or dampwood termites in your home? Look out for these classic signs of termites:
- Discarded wings: These discarded wings often belong to swarmer termites, as these are the only termites that have wings. At a specific point in their life cycle, these flying termites will swarm to look for a mate in order to begin a new colony. After they finish swarming, these termites then shed their wings (usually on windowsills or nearby areas).
- Mud tubes: Subterranean termites use key materials like soil, wood, and saliva to create mud tubes that connect their underground nest to a food source. Mud tubes can typically be spotted along your foundation.
- Hollow-sounding wood: Another telltale sign of a termite infestation is hollow-sounding wood, the result of hollow wooden structures that termites have eaten away at.
- Windows or doors that cannot be opened: Subterranean termites introduce moisture to wood as they eat it. Therefore, if you have wooden doors or windows, this same moisture can cause swelling that makes them very hard to open.
- Droppings: Drywood termite droppings, or frass, look like a small pile of sawdust.
- Evidence of termite damage: You may notice property damage, such as paint that appears to be bubbling, small holes in drywall, and crumbling wood.
If you are concerned about termites in your Reno home, contact Celtic Pest Control for expert assistance.
Termites Can Cause Extensive Property Damage
Once they have established themselves in their colony, termites can cause extensive harm to your house and any other structures on your property. These nuisance pests are attracted to wood and cellulose materials, and they will tunnel through those materials to build nests and reach a food source.
Termites can damage various parts of a house, including the foundation, walls, structural supports, floors, and roof. They can also harm furniture, books, and other valuable household items. In some cases, termite damage can be so extensive that it weakens the structural integrity of a house, making it unsafe to live in.
Subterranean termites typically enter structures through foundations and create tunnels through wood as they feed, causing property damage in the process. Drywood termites are another type of termite that can cause extensive property damage. They can infest any type of wood, including structural wood, furniture, and decorative woodwork. They normally enter structures through small openings and can create extensive damage if left unchecked. Dampwood termites are a third type of termite that can cause severe property damage. They are commonly found in places with high humidity, such as near leaks or plumbing issues, and can cause damage to wood that is already weakened by moisture. It's important to note that all three types of termites can cause considerable damage to homes and other structures if left uncontrolled.
Termites can go undetected for long periods, making it difficult for the average homeowner to identify an infestation until the damage is already done. This is because termites often burrow deep inside wood and other materials, making them hard to spot. They are also active at night, making it hard for most people to see them during the day. If you need help identifying termites in your home or have any other termite-related concerns, give us a call at Celtic Pest Control.
Do-It-Yourself Termite Control Is A Waste Of Time And Money
Do-it-yourself termite control is often a waste of time and money because it is tricky to effectively eradicate a termite infestation without the help of a professional pest control company. Termites, as previously discussed, can cause ample damage to a home and can be difficult to detect and eliminate, even for the most experienced professionals.
One of the main reasons why do-it-yourself termite control is a waste of time and money is that termites can go undetected for long periods. They are notorious for their skills at hiding and tunneling deep inside wood and other materials, making them difficult to catch. Even if you think you have found a termite infestation, it can be hard to accurately determine the extent of the problem without the help of a professional technician.
Another reason why do-it-yourself termite control is a waste of time and money is that it is challenging to effectively treat a termite infestation without the right tools and equipment. The professional pest control technicians at Celtic Pest Control have the training, knowledge, and equipment required to eliminate termites and avert future infestations. Do-it-yourself methods, on the other hand, are often ineffective in comparison, and can even make the problem at hand worse.
In addition to being a waste of time and money, do-it-yourself termite control can also be dangerous, depending on the circumstances. A lot of store-bought termite control methods involve the use of harmful chemicals and other unsafe materials, which can be dangerous to handle if you are not trained to do so. Accidental exposure to these materials can cause serious health problems.
Overall, do-it-yourself termite control is a waste of effort and expense because it is nearly impossible to effectively eliminate a termite infestation without the help of a professional pest control company. If you are dealing with a termite infestation, it is best to contact us for assistance to ensure termites are fully eliminated from your property.
Professional Termite Control Is A Great Idea For Reno Homes
Professional termite control is an excellent solution for homeowners in Reno, as termites can cause severe damage to a home if left without treatment.
Hiring a professional pest control company for termite control is the best way to handle a termite problem for homeowners in Reno because pest professionals are trained to identify the signs of a termite infestation and use the appropriate treatment methods to eliminate the problem. Professional termite control is not only effective but also safe. We use safe treatments to eliminate termites, ensuring that the health and safety of our customers are never compromised.
If you need expert termite control in Reno, look no further than our dedicated team at Celtic Pest Control. Locally owned and operated since 2015, at Celtic Pest Control, we pride ourselves on being an active part of the community and providing effective treatment the first time around. Additionally, all of our technicians are carefully screened and trained to ensure that you are provided with the best experience possible. We make sure that we get the job done the right way to make sure that no time is wasted. With years of combined experience, our technicians have one goal: to protect your home from termites and other pests with the highest quality pest control there is to offer.
If you are dealing with a termite infestation in your Reno home or want to prevent one from occurring, contact us today for expert assistance with termite control and termite removal.
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