About Horse Capital Termite Removal Experts
Providing termite inspection Lexington, Kentucky locals depend on!
One of the worst issues any household can experience is termite infestation. These silent destroyers slowly and gradually chew through your wallpapers, flooring, and wood. Fortunately, our professionals can help eliminate the problem regardless of the damage extent and severity. Horse Capital Termite Removal Experts has a history of successful Lexington termite control cases. Because termite infestation is pretty common in the US, thousands of customers have reached out to us till now for help. We have dealt with mild to moderate and severe cases and haven’t failed to please our customers. Our professionals inspect the termite damage severity and use a suitable solution to control pests. We blend Integrated Pest Management (IPM) with our unique termite control techniques to remove termites. Our goal doesn’t focus solely on termite elimination. Instead, we aim to identify the root cause of the problem. For instance, your home structure may have cracks or locked moisture that could be encouraging termite growth. Having treated a plethora of cases in the past, our termite inspection professionals seek to eliminate the problem source. This prevents termite growth in the future. We also detect the termite type and take preventive measures accordingly. The diet, affect, habitat, and prevention techniques of different termite types vary significantly. As such, a single treatment method doesn’t work for all. Our skilled team at Horse Capital Termite Removal Experts of Lexington determines the termite infestation type and takes preventive measures accordingly.
Termite problems in Lexington
Every homeowner styles their property to fit their unique tastes. From quality flooring to trendy wallpapers and cozy bedding to silky drapes, we take steps to make our home a haven. Beyond that, we take measures to keep our home tidy and hygienic. While these steps help us create a peaceful home environment, a few unexpected events cause unwanted troubles for us. One such problem that tops the list of annoying issues that Lexington homeowners face is termites. It wouldn’t be wrong to consider it a terrible nightmare for families. You might have spent thousands of dollars installing top-notch wooden doors, windows, and furniture. But unfortunately, the notorious termites take only a few hours to cause structural damage. Even worse, once your home gets exposed to termites, they continue to form colonies, and the structural damage caused by them is often irreparable. Nonetheless, recognizing termite infestation at the right time helps you save your money. As soon as you spot termites in your home, you must get in touch with a professional termite exterminator in Lexington, Kentucky to mitigate the problem. We are one of the reputable termite inspection providers in Lexington. Our licensed experts access the termite damage extent and design an appropriate action plan to prevent the problem. We aim to treat the current termite problem and offer genuine solutions to keep your home from pest infestation in the future.
5 things you must know about termites
Termites are active in warmer climates
Termites are more active in rising temperatures than in colder climates. This is because they work during the hotter months of the year to store food for winters. This indicates they are a year-round threat to areas that experience warmer climates throughout the year. For instance, you are at risk if you live in the southern states. However, note that the National Pest Management Association tells us that this pest exists in every region of the US. Therefore, your home isn’t ruled out entirely. Regardless of how well-maintained your property is, you must be vigilant about infestation. One of the best ways to identify the problem is to inspect your home time and again. Because they have an ability to remain hidden, they aren’t easy to spot until you stumble across visible damage. However, knowing their bodily structures and learning more about their habits can help you identify them early on.
Termites leave warning signs
While termites are notorious for being destroyers, they are also ill-famed for being sneaky. You could be facing a problem for days, but you wouldn’t even know it. Nonetheless, regardless of how stealthy they tend to be, they leave a few warning signs. Any savvy homeowner can spot them; slight diligence is required, however. Here are a few symptoms of termite infestation.
- The wooden structures would produce hollow sounds on tapping them.
- Your paint and walls would appear bubbly and cracked
- You’ll come across a swarm of winged insects around your house, typically outdoors – near the light
- Lastly, you’ll observe mud tubes on crawl spaces, walls, and wooden structures
Simple termite prevention steps can help
In the event of termite infestation, there’s nothing better than getting in touch with a professional termite exterminator in Lexington, Kentucky. They know how to handle the job and will take a few hours to eliminate the problem. However, you can take a few steps to protect your home (more on the topic below). Simple precautionary measures include.
- Keeping downspouts and gutters free of clutter, dirt, and debris, the healthier the environment, the lower the chances of pest infestation.
- Keeping lumber and firewood away from your property
- Installing exterior vents and screens
- Eliminating moisture by fixing leaks
Termites are not deadly, but dangerous
Many individuals question if termites are deadly. While soldier termites have the capability to bite humans, they’ll do so only if handled carelessly. Therefore, termite removal is best left to professionals. Essentially, these pests bite wood and other cellulose materials. They also may attack other insects but rarely have any human attacks reported yet. Even if they bite, their sting isn’t life-threatening. Simply put, they are dangerous but not deadly. Harmful in a way that they damage your home materials, and delaying their removal might destroy your belongings beyond repair.
Termites have sense organs and use vibration to communicate
Termites consist of sense organs at the base of their tibiae and antenna. These help them feel vibrations, allowing them to select food sources they want to infest. For instance, the sense organs help them feel the vibroacoustic signals of wood pieces. Additionally, they use vibrations to exchange messages. As soon as the soldier termites sense a threat, they bang or tap their heads against the surfaces. This action produces vibrations and alarms the entire colony. Consequently, the insects take action to prevent themselves from getting attacked.
How to prevent termite damage in your Lexington property?
Taking early steps to keep termites out of your home is way better than trying to eliminate them after infestation. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shares tips to make your home less vulnerable to termites. During construction:
- Leave ventilation space between wood and soil and consider using a concrete foundation.
- Enclose open wood surfaces using a metal barrier or sealant.
After construction:
- Keep the soil surrounding your Lexington home dry through a proper drainage system. This includes maintaining downspouts and gutters.
- Keep plants and vents free from unwanted obstruction.
- Do not grow shrubs and trees too close to your home. Also, avoid exposing wood surfaces to plants.
- Eliminate openings that allow termites to access your home. This might require you to fill in the cracks.
Further, the National Pest Management Association also shares guidelines to prevent termite infestation during the spring season.
- Inspect your Lexington home for mud tubes, rotting wood, damaged structures, and visible termite existence.
- Nothing attracts termites more than water. So, make sure you remove moisture sources to limit the chances of their presence.
- Avoid stacking piles of firewood closer to your home. Also, if you’ve bought some and want to keep them closer to your property, do not forget to inspect them for termites. Otherwise, you might be introducing termites to your home yourself.
- Consider discarding old grade stakes and boards from your property as they might encourage termite growth.
- On spotting visible termite infestation signs, call a licensed professional organization immediately.
What are termites?
## Termites: The Silent Destroyers Unveiled Termites, those formidable creatures that silently lurk beneath the surface and wreak havoc upon our homes, are often overlooked until their presence is made known by telltale signs of damage. As such, it is imperative to arm oneself with comprehensive knowledge about these destructive pests to safeguard your abode from their insidious invasion.
Identifying Termite Infestation: A Guide to Telltale Signs
Early detection is crucial in combating termite infestations. Recognizing the subtle signs of their presence can prevent substantial damage and costly repairs. Keep an eye out for these indicators: – **Mud Tubes:** Termites construct mud tubes along foundations, pipes, or other vertical surfaces to travel between their nests and food sources. – **Hollow-Sounding Wood:** Tapping on infested wood may produce a hollow sound, indicating the presence of tunnels and galleries created by termites. – **Discarded Wings:** Swarmers, reproductive termites, shed their wings when they enter a new area to establish a colony. Finding discarded wings around windows, doors, or baseboards can be an early sign of an infestation. – **Buckling or Sagging Floors:** As termites consume wood from within, floors and ceilings may buckle or sag under the weight they bear. – **Damaged Wood:** Termite-infested wood often has a crumbly texture and may appear honeycombed with tunnels.
Understanding Termite Behavior and Biology
Knowledge of termite behavior and biology empowers homeowners to devise effective strategies for prevention and control. Here’s a glimpse into the world of these social insects: – **Colony Structure:** Termite colonies have a complex social structure with different castes performing specialized roles. Workers gather food, soldiers defend the colony, and reproductives produce offspring. – **Diet and Feeding Habits:** Termites primarily feed on wood, cellulose, and paper products. They prefer moist, decayed wood and can cause extensive damage to homes and other structures. – **Moisture Dependence:** Termites require moisture to survive. They are attracted to areas with high humidity, leaks, or poor drainage. – **Reproduction:** Swarmers, the reproductive caste of termites, emerge from colonies during certain seasons to mate and establish new colonies.
Prevention Strategies: Shielding Your Home from Termite Invasion
Vigilance is the cornerstone of termite prevention. Implement these proactive measures to safeguard your property: – **Moisture Management:** Control moisture levels around your home by fixing leaks, improving drainage, and using dehumidifiers. – **Wood Treatment:** Pretreating wood used in construction with termite-resistant chemicals can deter infestations. – **Soil Treatment:** Applying termite-repellent chemicals to the soil around your home’s foundation creates a protective barrier. – **Regular Inspections:** Conduct thorough inspections of your home annually or semi-annually for signs of termite activity.
Termite Control and Elimination: Restoring Your Home’s Integrity
If an infestation has already occurred, prompt action is necessary to eliminate termites and prevent further damage. Consider the following control methods: – **Baits and Insecticides:** Termite baits contain slow-acting insecticides that are consumed by termites and spread throughout the colony. Liquid insecticides can also be applied as a localized treatment. – **Fumigation:** Fumigation involves using a toxic gas, such as sulfuryl fluoride, to kill termites throughout the entire structure. This method is highly effective but requires professional expertise. – **Heat Treatment:** Exposing infested structures to high temperatures kills termites and their eggs. This non-chemical method is gaining popularity due to its environmental friendliness.
Professional Termite Control Services: The Expertise You Need
Tackling termite infestations on your own can be challenging and risky. Engaging a reputable termite control company offers numerous advantages: – **Specialized Equipment and Expertise:** Professionals have access to advanced equipment and expertise to accurately detect, identify, and eliminate termite infestations. – **Customized Treatment Plans:** Termite control companies assess the severity and location of the infestation to develop tailored treatment plans. – **Warranty and Guarantees:** Many companies provide warranties or guarantees on their services, giving homeowners peace of mind. – **Ongoing Monitoring and Prevention:** Regular inspections and preventive measures implemented by professionals ensure long-term protection against termites.
Safeguarding Your Home: A Team Effort
Protecting your home from termites requires a proactive approach. By understanding their behavior, implementing preventive measures, and seeking professional assistance when necessary, you can effectively safeguard your property from these destructive pests. Remember, early detection and prompt action are key to minimizing damage and maintaining the integrity of your home.
Let’s look at some exciting termite facts to learn more.
- Mature termite colonies include 60,000 to 1 million termites. Nonetheless, this can differ depending on the termite colony type.
- The king and the queen hold a prominent position in termite colonies. However, the colonies aren’t limited to these; several other castes include workers, reproductives, and soldiers.
- When a reproductive termite wants to reproduce, they grow wings and fly away for mating purposes. This gives birth to a new colony.
- The female and male termites are called “swarmers” and “alates.”
- Alates typically have wings that go missing in soldiers and worker termites.
- 50 out of the 2750 species of termites are found in the United States. Among them, 20 are infamous for causing structural damage to properties.
Getting in touch with a professional termite company
While preventive measures beforehand offer an excellent way to avoid the vexing pest infestation issue. If you fail to protect your home, there’s nothing better than contacting a termite treatment company in Lexington, Kentucky . Our Lexington termite removal professionals are skilled at termite elimination. They spot the visible and hiding termite on your property and carefully handle its removal. Slight negligence during termite elimination might damage the structures further. Our expert team, however, manages the entire process cautiously. This minimizes structural damage and lowers the risk of termite spread in your home. We also identify the source of termite infestation and share tips to protect your property from pests in the future. Contact us to speak with one of our contractors and get Lexington termite treatment today!
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