What To Do About Formosan Termites On Your Houston Property
June 15, 2021 - Termites
Three types of termites live here in Houston, subterranean termites, drywood termites, and Formosan termites. These pests are each unique and go about destroying wood in slightly different ways. The question is, which is the most destructive. To help answer this question for you today, we will be doing a deep dive into what makes a termite harmful and what you should do about Formosan termites if they invade your Houston property.
What Are Termites?
Termites are small six-legged insects that feed on cellulose to survive. In order to gather cellulose in large quantities, these pests invade wood structures such as buildings, fallen trees, and dead stumps. Formosan and eastern subterranean termites consume wood that is water-damaged, rotting, or in decay. Drywood termites prefer dry wood and look for lumber weathered by the sun or that lacks proper protection.
Which Termite Is The Most Destructive?
Identifying the least destructive termite species in our area is not too difficult. It is drywood termites. It is easier to identify these pests, and they damage a home at a slower rate than their close cousins. Finding out which termite species is the most harmful, on the other hand, is more challenging. Based on total overall destruction, eastern subterranean termites are by far the most destructive. These invasive pests are on almost every continent and dwarf the populations of both drywood and Formosan termites combined.
Interestingly, if Formosan termites were as common, they would be much more destructive, overall, than eastern subterranean termites due to their aggressive, devious, and voracious behavior. When these pests invade a house, they do not play games. Destruction happens silently and quickly. The only way to stop these pests is to prevent them in the first place or to hire a professional to take care of an infestation quickly.
Some Strategies To Prevent Formosan Termites
Formosan termites look for properties with water damage, moist wood, and accessible areas to build their nests. The less access they have to these things, the less likely they will be to settle down. To help you deter these pests from your property, here are some detailed prevention tips to try.
- Do not store firewood or untreated lumber along the exterior of your house. Instead, keep these things in an outbuilding like a shed or another covered and dry area.
- Regularly clean up your yard of organic clutter. Pick up sticks, rake leaves, and remove thick undergrowth. When disposing of these things, do so a good distance away from your home and property.
- Inspect your gutters and downspouts. Make sure they are clear of debris, undamaged, and properly channeling water away from your home's siding and foundation.
- If there is not already one, install a non-wood barrier between exterior soil and your home's structural wood.
- Repair or replace structural wood that is water-damaged, rotting, or in decay.
- Make sure your pipes and fixtures are in good working condition and not leaking water.
- Eliminate sources of water buildup around your property.
- Install a dehumidifier inside your home to keep moisture levels to a minimum.
When To Call In A Professional
Formosan termites are pests you don't want to leave to fate. Regardless of whether you suspect your home has an infestation or not, we highly recommend getting a professional involved, which is the only way to ensure your house stays safe year-round. For high-quality services at an affordable rate, contact the experts at Caraway Pest Control. Our team of dedicated technicians has what it takes to combat these invasive and destructive pests in Houston and will be happy to put their skills to work for you.
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