Houston Termite Control

How Do You Tell the Difference Between Termites & Carpenter Ants?

Termites and carpenter ants share similarities but have distinct features. Termites have straight, bead-like antennae, uniform color, and soft bodies. Their waist is thick and not easily distinguishable from the rest of the body. 

Carpenter ants, on the other hand, have bent antennae, segmented bodies with a narrow waist, and elbowed, jointed antennae. They are usually larger than termites and come in various colors. Additionally, carpenter ants don't eat wood but excavate it for nesting, leaving behind sawdust-like frass. 

Knowing these differences helps in accurate identification and enables targeted pest control measures. If uncertain, consult a professional for proper diagnosis.

How Do You Get Rid of Termites?

Consulting a licensed pest control expert is crucial for a targeted and effective termite elimination plan. They will start by conducting a thorough inspection to identify the extent of the infestation. 

Then, your termite exterminator will present options like chemical treatments (termiticides), bait systems, or fumigation, depending on the severity of the infestation. Non-toxic alternatives can potentially be used for smaller infestations. 

Regular maintenance, like fixing leaks and removing wood-to-soil contact, helps prevent re-infestation. 

How Can You Prevent The Need For Termite Control?

• Avoid wood-to-soil contact - The best way to avoid termites altogether is to ensure that all wooden floorboards are elevated off of the ground during the construction of your home. Keep firewood and anything else that's wooden off the ground.
• Dehumidify and questionable areas - If you have any crawl spaces or wooden areas underneath your deck, you should consider installing a dehumidifier to avoid calling in our Houston termite control experts.
• Avoid using mulch if possible - Since mulch does an excellent job retaining moisture, termites love it even if they don't necessarily feast on it. Try using gravel or rocks as a substitute and if you must use mulch, make sure it's not touching your home.
• Act quickly on slab leaks or any moisture around your foundation- Not only can slab leaks throw off the entire foundation of your home, but they can provide termites with the moisture level they need to thrive.

Do Termites Bite?

While they do have small mandibles, termites mainly attack wood, not humans. That doesn't take away from the other problems these nasty pests cause though. Termites feed on cellulose found in wood and paper products, quickly destroying anything made of these materials in their path. While it's true that they can be beneficial to nature in breaking down dead and decaying matter, any home structure built with wood is susceptible to termite infestation and all the costly repairs that come with it.

Are Termites Harmful to Humans?

Termites themselves are not directly harmful to humans. Unlike some other pests, termites do not pose a direct threat to human health or safety. They don't bite, sting, or transmit diseases. However, termites can cause significant harm to structures, particularly wooden elements of buildings.

The primary concern with termites is the damage they can inflict on wooden structures, including homes, furniture, and other wooden items. Subterranean termites, in particular, are known for creating extensive tunnels and galleries within wood, weakening its structural integrity over time. If left untreated, termite infestations can lead to costly repairs and compromise the safety and stability of a building.

While termites themselves are not harmful to humans, the economic impact of termite damage and the potential for structural issues make it important to address termite infestations promptly through effective control and prevention measures. Regular inspections and early intervention can help mitigate the risk of significant damage caused by termites.

If you have a termite problem in Houston, reach out to us at (713) 955-7405 or contact us online.