Your home is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your lifetime. That’s why protecting it from termites is so important. Termites are wood-destroying insects that can weaken the structural integrity of your home. Keeping them out of your house matters, so if you think you have a problem with termites, call your Tulsa exterminator. Let’s take a look at termites and how they work.
In nature, termites help break down dead plant material in forests. The problem is that we use wood as a structural material in our homes. Wood contains cellulose and lignin, and cellulose provides a food source for termites. Termites rely on enzymes and microorganisms in their digestive systems to break down cellulose and obtain nutrients from it. Other materials, such as drywall paper and ordinary paper, also contain cellulose, so termites can damage those materials as well. Wood is one of the main materials we’re concerned about when termites get into a house.
If you think you have termites, it’s important to recognize the signs. One common type in Oklahoma is the eastern subterranean termite. These termites need moisture and generally live in soil or other protected, damp places. When they travel above ground, they often build mud tubes that help protect them from drying out and from exposure. You may see these tubes along the outside of a foundation, in a garage, or in other areas where termites can reach a building. If you see something that looks like a termite mud tube, it’s time to have it inspected. Simply breaking the tube won’t solve the problem. Termites can rebuild it or find another route and continue damaging the wood in your home.
Another sign can appear when termites travel through cracks or seams in a foundation and make their way into walls. They may damage drywall paper, leaving soft areas or other visible changes. Sometimes termites seal openings with mud-like material. Small spots of mud or unexplained soft areas in drywall are worth checking, although these signs alone don’t prove that termites are present. A Tulsa exterminator can inspect the area and determine what’s causing the damage.
In the spring, subterranean termite colonies may also release swarmers. These are winged reproductive termites that leave established colonies and attempt to start new ones. If you find a large number of winged termites near windows or on windowsills, contact a Tulsa exterminator for an inspection. It’s especially important to determine whether the insects are termites or another type of swarming insect.
If you’re having trouble with termites or another pest, call TermMax Pest Control. We help Tulsa-area homeowners address termite problems quickly and affordably. Contact us today if you think termites may be damaging your home.
