Is Termite Control Important in Oklahoma?

When termites come to mind, you might feel a shiver up your spine if you've dealt with them in the past. All in all, termites are not wanted pests. Although not dangerous in the traditional sense, such as poisonous snakes, spiders, tigers, or sharks, these little creatures can indeed be dangerous! They may not kill, but they can threaten the safety and overall wellness of many. Termites can be plentiful in Oklahoma, but just how dangerous are they in Tulsa?

The Hidden Dangers of Termite Infestations

In the United States, there are over 40 known species of termites. In general, termites can be more specifically categorized into three main types as identified by their habitats. These are damp wood termites, dry wood termites, and subterranean termites. Although termites may prefer slightly different environments, they often show many of the same behaviors.

One of these behaviors is eating. Termites love to eat cellulose which is predominantly found in plants and trees. Unfortunately, this also includes the wood used to build your home. Most termites can eat all day and night without stopping. Some of their favorite munchies include paper, cardboard, wood, carpet, and drywall.

Timber beam of door damaged by termite

While they're eating, these termites are also socializing. Believe it or not, termites are very social insects whose colonies consist of thousands or sometimes millions of members. The subdivisions of termite jobs are specialized workers, soldiers, and reproductives. Each has a self-explanatory job to accomplish and is working for their termite queen. Termite queens can deliver anywhere from 1,000 to 30,000 eggs per day. Once a colony has developed, the nested location can quickly become infested.

Many people want to know if termites are harmful. You shouldn't loop termites into the same category when you think about disease-spreading insects such as ants and cockroaches. Surprisingly termites are pretty hygienic and help groom one another. This helps them get rid of parasites and pathogens amongst one another.

It is helpful to note that termites can cause allergies, mainly if an infestation has spread over a significant amount of space. When termites gather, small waste particles can spread into the air, which, in turn, can irritate both skin and eyes. These tiny particles can also affect the lungs by impacting respiratory function, agitating asthma.

How Can Homeowners Identify Termite Infestations?

Termite colonies can be tricky to identify because they are often hidden. Thankfully, there are some tell-tale signs, and infestations can quickly be prevented. If you see evidence of termites in your Tulsa home, contact a professional to help eliminate the problem. Experts can get rid of the termites on your property and help develop a plan to keep them from returning!

  • Drywall that sags
  • Peeling wallpaper, or wallpaper that looks like it bubbles
  • Piles of termite droppings that look like sawdust
  • Long mud tubes, often found along the foundation of a house
  • Maze-like patterns along the floorboards or other wooden places in a house
  • Live termite swarms or discarded wings
termite nest on old brown wood board of abandoned house

If you find any evidence of termites on your property, you may want to invest in a continuous treatment and monitoring system like Sentricon®. If your home's foundation has cracks or the wooden siding isn't tightly pieced together, termites can get in. Use caulk to seal these entrances. Second, make sure that you are working to reduce moisture at your property.

Termites love to exist in areas that have a high moisture count. It is vital to ensure that water doesn't gather in the soil around the property, so make sure gutters, drains, and pipes are being fixed and cleaned regularly. It might also be good to use a humidifier indoors and keep the indoor spaces well ventilated.

Next, be sure that you are removing wood. Old logs, rotting wood, or even fallen trees can add to termite interest in your space. Be sure that woodpiles aren't sitting around too long. Last, landscaping can be helpful. If shrubs are trimmed, and branches are out of the way, termites are less likely to nestle up to your home. Try to ensure that areas for gardening are at least six feet away from buildings.

A lot of pest control companies say they offer termite treatment. But termite treatment may not always mean termite control. And termite control does not always imply termite colony elimination. At Emtec Pest Control, we have provided high-quality termite elimination and protection for over 35 years. We are always ready to protect you from these destructive pests!

At Emtec Pest Control, we are committed to safe and responsible pest control. We understand that your family’s safety is your number one priority, so we make it our priority, too.

If you have any other questions about any of these pests or pest control for your home or business, contact your Oklahoma pest control experts at Emtec Pest Control by calling us or by filling out our online contact form.

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