Termites are destructive insects that can cost you a fortune in repairs. In Riverside, termite season is pretty much year-round. However, from August through September, the termites in this area are especially active. If you want to get your home ready for the swarms of termites that could be coming your way soon, Green Flash Pest Control is here to help. We provide complete pest control in Riverside and know how to eliminate and prevent termites on your property.
Easy-To-Spot Signs Of A Termite Infestation
There are three different types of termites that are common invaders into Riverside homes; drywood termites, damp wood termites, and subterranean termites. These termites like to stay out of sight as much as possible. However, they will all leave behind some clues that will let you know they are around. Some of the telltale signs to look for if you suspect that you have a termite infestation include the following:
- Brittle wood around your home that crumbles when you touch it
- Floorboards that are buckling or excessively squeaky
- Small holes in the drywall that are the size of a pinpoint
- Paint on the wall that seems to be bubbling or cracking for no reason
- Wood beams and other wooden objects that have a hollow sound when tapped
- Mud tubes built by subterranean termites that run alongside the foundation of the house
- Discarded wings on the window or door sills
If you have a termite infestation, you will also notice large piles of termite droppings, or frass, throughout your home. Termite frass can vary in appearance depending on the type of termite you have in your house. Usually, the droppings resemble ground salt and black pepper, grains of sand, or small particles of wood dust.
How To Identify And Remove Factors That Attract Termites
While it's obvious termites like wooden objects, they also are attracted to warm and humid areas. Some of the things that you can do to keep termites from being attracted to your home include the following:
- Remove any tree limbs, chopped firewood, or any other dead wood from your property.
- Fix leaky pipes immediately.
- Make sure that your gutter system is working properly and that it funnels water away from your home.
- Make sure that crawl spaces and other areas around your home are well-ventilated
Do not let wood structures on your property make direct contact with the ground. Homes, storage buildings, and other wood structures should be on a concrete foundation or raised above the ground.
It is also a good idea to resist the urge to use mulch around your home. Mulch is not only made of wood, but it is great at holding moisture. If you have large mulch piles or paths surrounding your home, you could be asking for a termite infestation.
Why DIY Termite Control Can Do More Than Harm Than Good
If you are looking for an effective DIY termite control solution, you should know that it does not exist. Termites can get into some of the most hard-to-reach places. They live deep underground or inside wooden structures. If you use pesticides, it will be extremely difficult to get into the crevices of their nests. If you cannot kill all of the termites on your property, your infestation will continue to come back.
Also, if you do not have the appropriate training using certain pesticides, you could end up harming yourself or your family. Some of the pesticides on the market are extremely toxic to humans. If you don't use harmful chemicals correctly, you could end up becoming extremely ill.
Even though the pesticides available in stores are strong enough to harm humans, they may not be strong enough to eliminate the termites. A professional pest control specialist will have access to a wide range of chemicals and solutions not available to the general public.
What's The Best Way To Get Rid Of Termites On My Property
The quickest and most hassle-free way to eliminate termites from your home is to hire a professional pest control specialist to handle the problem. At Green Flash Pest Control, we understand the unique challenges of termite control and have spent two decades developing innovative ways to overcome them. If you are looking for a safe and effective way to get rid of termites on your Riverside property, give us a call.