What's worse than having an infestation of termites in your home? Not knowing they're there, that's what. Luckily, you're here, and so is this article showing you how to spot a termite problem and take the proper steps to protect your Tupelo home from termites. If you haven't noticed any swarming or flying insects that would indicate termites, don't stop reading yet – remember that many people do not see signs of termites until after an infestation has already taken hold. A professional Tupelo pest control expert will be able to tell you if your home has a termite problem, but until then, here are some things you can look for around your Tupelo property.
How To Tell If Your Home Has A Termite Problem
If you think your home may have a termite problem, there are several signs of termites that can help you determine if it's time to call an exterminator.
- Check your trees. Termites are most often found in wood, and if your home is close to a termite-infested tree, you may have a problem.
- Look for wood that is soft or mushy or wood with soft spots. If you see these signs of termite damage, then it may be time to call an exterminator.
- Listen for rustling sounds coming from inside the walls of your home. This could be the sound of termites munching away at your house.
- Look for mud tunnels that lead from the soil outside into your home. These tunnels may be brown or black in color and can be a sign that termites are inside your house.
The most difficult part of termite infestations is catching them before the serious damage is done, so it pays to be vigilant and keep your eyes open.
A Termite Infestation Can Go Unnoticed For Some Time
One of the most common types of termites in Tupelo is the Eastern subterranean termite. Because they move underground, these insects can go unnoticed quite easily. To make matters worse, once they get inside your wooden structures, they don't tend to leave, so their presence stays a secret until they have done enough damage to be noticeable. And unfortunately, the climate around here makes it easy for them to feast all year long. Once you see signs of termites inside your house, they have likely been there for some time.
Naturally Effective Termite Prevention Tips For Your Property
Obviously, you want to do everything you can to prevent a full-blown termite infestation on your property. I mean, who wouldn't? So let's talk about prevention techniques that work in the Tupelo area.
- Remove wood debris: Remove any wood debris or cellulose-based materials from your yard or near your home. This can include old tree stumps, lumber, or firewood.
- Fix moisture problems: Termites need moisture to survive, so it's important to fix any moisture problems in your home. This includes fixing leaks, ensuring proper drainage, and reducing humidity levels in your home.
- Install gutters and downspouts: Install gutters and downspouts to divert water away from your home's foundation.
- Keep plants and mulch away from your home: Plants and mulch can create moisture and humidity that attract termites.
Finally, you should schedule regular inspections to detect any signs of termite activity early. Early detection can help prevent significant damage to your Tupelo home.
The Best Way To Get Rid Of A Termite Infestation
McCary Pest Control has nearly 50 years of experience protecting homes in the Tupelo area. If you need termite control services in Tupelo or want preventative treatments, our experts can handle all that and more. With our quality workmanship and customer service, we're confident that you will be more than satisfied with our services. Reach out today to get started and learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Tupelo.