The Trick To Protecting Your Houston Home From Termites

No one would disagree that having a termite problem is the last thing any property owner wants to handle. Termites in your home can destroy your wooden structures over time, costing you money in expensive repairs and restorations and wreak havoc on your emotional well-being. And with a 24-hour wake cycle, termites have nothing but time on their hands to do their destructive, dirty work. 

With termite season approaching, your dependable Houston pest control experts are more than prepared to tackle pesky termites. Our Samson Pest and Termite Services team is ready to provide Houston residents with the most effective treatments to destroy active termites and their colonies. Read on to learn more about the characteristics and habits of these insidious insects and the proactive measures you can take to make sure a termite infestation is not in your future.

About The Subterranean Termite Caste System

Like most wasps, bees, and ants, subterranean termites are considered highly social insects that operate within organized societies. Only a few select females are solely responsible for laying all of the eggs, while the remaining members of the colony do food-gathering and other duties. Termites cohabit in colonies where multiple generations exist. As such, there is a division of labor among the different castes. We have listed the three main castes of adult termites below:

1. Workers are responsible for caring for the young, building tunnels, and foraging. 
2. Soldiers are accountable for defending the colony and responding immediately to attacks, such as breaches in tunnel walls. 
3. Swarmers are responsible for mating and laying eggs.

Workers constitute the majority of colony members at 90% to 98%, while soldiers represent around 2% to 4%. The winged termites, also known as the reproductive members or commonly referred to as swarmers, make up the difference. 

Why Termites Infest And Destroy Wood 

It's no secret that termites love wood. Cellulose, an insoluble, organic fiber often found in wood, is the main culprit in drawing termites. Cellulose provides all life-sustaining energy and nutrients termites need to survive when digested. Not only do these insects consume wood, but they reside in it, too. Other than wooden structures, you are most likely to find termites living in:

• Soil
• Lumber
• Trees

It is clear why so many homes become vulnerable to the destruction caused by termite feeding since many contain these materials and substances, and it's where these pests gravitate. Therefore, be mindful of what the items you have outside of your home are made from and if they could be the main reason your property has become a termite magnet.

Factors That Attract Termites To Your Home

Termites, like the majority of other insects, are always on the hunt for food and water sources. Therefore, if your property offers these abundant sources for pests to thrive and reproduce, your home will become prime real estate for termites to settle into and build their colonies. While some termites would instead reside in the ground close to your home's foundation, most of them prefer soft, damp wood. Check out the three different types of wood that termites can't wait to inhabit:

1. Mulch
2. Tree stumps
3. Wood piles

Mulch can provide termites with easy access into your home through cracks and crevices if the material touches your foundation. Also, roofs can experience termite damage if low-hanging branches nearby can act as a bridge for termites to cross. 

Why Professional Termite Control Is A Great Idea For Your Home

Although the internet has helped usher in this era of "do-it-yourself" (DIY), which has proven helpful in solving many minor household issues, DIY rarely offers satisfactory results when faced with more serious situations, namely a termite infestation. If you live in an area where these insects abound, it is wise to skip the DIY methods and contact a termite specialist near you. Below are three reasons why professional pest control should be the first step to take when you notice any signs of termites in your home:

1. Termites are tough to eliminate.
2. Termites cause significant destruction.
3. Termite colonies can be difficult to locate.

At Samson Pest and Termite Services, we've been a leader in the pest control industry for over 40 years and counting. Our friendly and experienced staff treats our customers like family. We offer home and commercial pest control, a warranty with all services, and emergency services. Reach out to us today to request your free estimate and inspection.