Termites are insects that feed on wood and can destroy homes. In a natural setting, they are considered decomposers as they feed on organic material and break down the trees found in wooded forests. They are an integral part of the ecosystem; however, their tendency to feed on wood is dangerous in urban and suburban settings because they damage wooden buildings and homes that people work or reside in regularly.
Termites feed on cellulose, a substance found in plant cells. Cellulose is a polysaccharide that contains sugar. Homeowners are often wary of this insect as they are associated with costly home repairs and foundation problems. Pure Pest can give you peace of mind to treat your termite activity or termite extermination and provide other services related to the extermination of other common house pests found in the home.
Termites are subterranean, meaning they live below the soil and in dark, damp conditions. They damage homes through their feeding patterns.
Termites should never be ignored as they can cause significant damage, e.g. eating through drywall, damaging wood panels, and deteriorating outdoor structures like porches that make them unsafe for home dwellers. Their activity can also destabilize railings or steps leading outside. Their destructive tendencies can create dangerous and hazardous conditions for family members, like children and elderly adults who need railings to walk safely outside and may not notice damage immediately. Termite damage and activity should never be ignored!
While termites do not necessarily prey on humans or bite them, they can create inhospitable living conditions for them. These inhospitable living conditions can be dangerous and hazardous to the health and wellbeing of the home dweller if their home is not structurally sound due to termite damage.
Termites eat:
- Furniture that is made of wood
- Fabric and upholstered furniture
- Homewares containing cellulose
- Wooden walls, porches, baseboards, and railings
- Drywall
- Wallpaper
- Cardboard
When is Termite Season in St. Louis?
Termite season ranges from mid-April to mid-June in St. Louis. The weather and temperature can impact the termite activity within your home. Pure Pest treats termites during the colder months of winter, specifically between November to February. While termites can destroy homes year-round, they tend to be more active in the spring and early summer months.
You may notice termite season has commenced when you notice damage to your house. Since they thrive in wet and moist conditions in your home, it is important to be cognizant of areas where moisture is prevalent, for example, the bathroom near showers, tubs, sinks, or toilets and under the kitchen sink. Check regularly to ensure there are no unexplained leaks in your home where soft floorboards or walls may develop. These areas are where termites may begin to congregate as these are perfect conditions for the termites to feed, swarm, and reproduce, leading to an infestation in your home. If you begin to notice fecal droppings, discarded wings, or dead insects, you may need an exterminator to address your pest problem.
While boric acid or borax is often used to deter termites in your home, it is important to be mindful of small pets and children who may ingest chemicals. Contacting a professional termite exterminator company is the safest option to ensure your termite infestation is properly treated and exterminated. An exterminator is useful to address pest problems as they have the proper personal protective equipment like respirators, clothes, hard hats, and glasses/goggles. They have professional training to treat pest problems occurring inside the home or around the home’s exterior.
To avoid damage to your home:
- Regularly check the perimeter of your home for termite activity.
- Check water spigots, faucets, and plumbing to avoid moist conditions that encourage termite activity.
- Check floorboards, baseboards, wood furniture, and homewares that contain cellulose for damage or termite activity.
- Check window sills and door frames.
- Check for signs of mold or mildew that create breeding grounds for termites.
- Look for any cracks in the foundation of your home.
- Check your crawlspace, as this part of your home is a dark, damp, moist space that attracts pests.
- Knock on your walls to determine if they have been hollowed out due to termite activity.
- Check wood sheds that are located on your property.
- Check outdoor wooden furniture such as porch swings, table sets, rocking chairs, and outdoor toys for structural integrity.
- Contact an exterminator to treat your home and property.
Treating Termites
While termites can wreak havoc and cause anxiety to homeowners, they are treatable. Before purchasing a new home, conduct a thorough home inspection with a reputable company that will note any damage or termite activity. Make a plan to address termite damage and activity.
You can protect your home and property with a protection plan from Pure Pest for peace of mind in ensuring your home is safe through our services and products. Our team will conduct an evaluation and answer all questions related to a termite infestation to avoid property damage long-term. It is important to protect your property and have regular maintenance of your house to ensure termites do not damage your home’s walls, foundation, and exterior. Contact Pure Pest for your pest-related questions, concerns, and issues. Pure Pest handles ants, bats, bed bugs, bees, cockroaches, crickets, earwigs, fleas, ground beetles, house mice, mosquitos, rats, rodents, spiders, termites, ticks, wildlife, wasps, and any other insects that pose a danger to humans or that cause property damage. Our company promises a 100% satisfaction guarantee to meet your needs. If you are not completely satisfied with the products or services, Pure Pest will make it right. Pure Pest has been providing extermination services since 1954 in the St. Louis, Missouri area
Contact our offices by phone to talk to a representative, or email our offices at service@purepest.com to schedule your inspection today. By using Pure Pest, you will obtain a free consultation and our company will work with you to create the best plan for your needs. Call today for a free consultation as your first step in creating your protection plan against termites. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to meet the needs of our customers. Visit our website at www.purepest.com.