The Best Way To Keep Termites Away From Your Southeast Florida Home

Termites are some of the most destructive pests to have around your home. While other pests such as rodents and carpenter ants can also damage property, termites are notorious for their ability to consume wooden items. And while they won't destroy a home overnight, they can completely ruin the integrity of a structure in eight years or less.

While you might not think a termite infestation could ever happen to you, it's important to remain cautious as these are common pests. It's a good idea to learn more about Southeast Florida pest control options for protecting your home from termites.

What Does A Termite Infestation Look Like?

The first thing you need to know about identifying termites in Southeast Florida is what the actual termites look like. The worker and soldier termites are white to creme colored and don't have wings. On the other hand, termite swarmers do have wings and are dark brown to black. 

The truth is that it's difficult to identify termites only by sight. The worker and soldier termites rarely leave the nest, but the termite swarmers will at times reproduce.

Overall, you might never see an actual termite until the infestation has been around for months or even years. Below are some other signs that can help you identify termites:

• Termite frass, which is termite excrement that looks like sawdust
• Floorboards that have started to squeak and buckle
• A musty odor that wasn't around before
• Water-damaged wood and drywall that doesn't seem to have a water source

Remember that termite damage usually doesn't appear until the infestation has been around for a while. Hence, the best way to identify termites is with a termite inspection from Squash A Bug Pest Control.

Why Is It So Hard To Get Rid Of Termites On Your Property? 

While termites are difficult to spot, they are even more challenging to remove. Depending on the species, termites will create large underground nests or live directly in wooden structures, making it difficult to access all termite areas unless you have specialized training and experience. 

Termites can also reproduce quickly and create massive, sprawling colonies over time, making most DIY termite control options ineffective. You might be able to remove some of the termites using store-bought baits or traps, but it's unlikely you'll eradicate the entire infestation. 

What Attracts Termites To Homes? 

Instead of struggling to remove termites, think ahead and try to prevent them. To prevent termites, you need to recognize the factors that draw them in. Overall, termites are easy to understand. They generally thrive in humid environments, and many species need soil-to-wood contact to enter a building. 

Now that you know what attracts termites, you can follow some steps around your property to prevent termites.

Ways To Prevent Future Termite Infestations In Southeast Florida

Contact Squash A Bug Pest Control for termite control options if you're already dealing with termites. But, if you don't have termites, there are some measures you can take on your own to keep them away.

• Install a barrier between the soil and your foundation.
• Reduce humidity around the home by fixing leaky plumbing.
• Store firewood and woodpiles at least 30 feet away from the exterior of the house.
• Remove water-damaged or decaying wood from the yard.

Call us today at Squash A Bug Pest Control for more termite prevention tips for your Southeast Florida home.