The Solution to Your Termite Problem
Although it’s possible to coexist with many of the native plants, animals, and insects in Texas, you don’t want termites anywhere near your home. Termite control in Fate, TX, is a necessity, and T-Rex Pest Control is here to help.
Termites cause approximately $5 billion worth of property damage in the United States every year. If left untreated, even a small infestation can turn into a massive financial drain. These little pests are always multiplying, and it’s almost impossible to get rid of them without help from a professional.
When you have a termite problem, we have the solution. At T-Rex Pest Control, we’re here to deal with any unwanted vermin in your home. We’re based in Texas and serve customers in Fate, Forney, Garland, Rockwall, and Rowlett. Call 469-595-7067 today for your free quote.
The Dangers of Termite Infestations
Individual termites might seem small and harmless, but they can quickly turn into your worst nightmare once their numbers begin to grow. Although these little insects become more active during the warmer months, they can cause problems all year long.
Termites cause huge amounts of property damage every year. The worst part is that you may not even notice what they’re doing until it’s too late. These pests can stay hidden for months or even years before the damage becomes obvious.
In addition, their burrowing can affect your home’s walls, roof, insulation, and foundation. This type of gradual damage builds up over time, weakening the structure of the entire home. Your house will need to undergo extensive repairs if you fail to treat termite infestations.
Termites aren’t a danger to humans, but you shouldn’t ignore the damage they can cause. They reproduce rapidly, and the queens can lay one egg every three seconds. If the infestation goes untreated, your house will soon be full of thousands (if not millions) of these burrowing insects.
Because colonies contain so many insects, it’s nearly impossible to wipe out a termite infestation all on your own. At T-Rex Pest Control, our experts are standing by to exterminate these unwanted residents and protect your home from future infestations.
Contact T-Rex Pest Control if you suspect you have termites. We specialize in termite control in Fate, TX, and we’ll help you treat the issue and retain your home’s resale value. Your homes and businesses are safe in our hands!
Most Common Termite Species in Fate, TX
If you suspect that your home has termites, you’ll want to know which type you’re dealing with. There are a variety of termite species, but the two main ones that we see here in Fate are Formosan subterranean termites and southeastern drywood termites.
Both of these species can cause extensive damage to homes, but they have distinct appearances, swarming habits, diets, and preferred habitats.
Formosan Subterranean Termites
As the name suggests, subterranean termites live in the soil. Because they require moist living conditions, they’re almost always underground or embedded in damp wood. Subterranean termites seek out soft, rotting wood, so this is one of the first places you should look if you suspect they’re nearby.
Subterranean termites often tunnel through the ground in search of food. If they encounter the foundation of a home, they will burrow through the wood and spread out from there.
You may spot small tubes or veins in the soil if you’re dealing with Formosan subterranean termites. They use these mud tubes to connect to other sources of food. Check around wood piles, trees, and other types of foliage for these warning signs.
Subterranean termites tend to cause more damage than drywood species because they are harder to spot. The damage they cause is generally in hidden, hard-to-reach areas so you have to keep your eyes open. Our team of experts can identify and remove these pests before they spread too far.
These insects are constantly eating, and they are active all day and all night. They also multiply at a rapid rate, and the largest subterranean colonies include millions of insects.
Because of their voracious appetites and vast populations, they have the potential to cause massive structural damage.
Appearance
These termites have a variety of appearances depending on their role within the colony. Winged termites are brown and black, and their wings have a dark vein that runs along the edges.
The worker termites are white and wingless. The soldier termites look similar but with larger heads and mandibles than the workers.
Swarming Habits
Because these termites thrive in warm, damp conditions, they tend to swarm during the spring and summer months. Swarming occurs when the population explodes, and young termites need to find a place to establish a new colony.
You might see subterranean termites swarming on damp, warm days with light breezes. For instance, if there was a rainstorm the day before and the next day is sunny, that’s the perfect time for these insects to appear.
Southeastern Drywood Termites
Drywood termites are also common in Fate, TX, but unlike subterranean species, they don’t enter your home through the soil. These insects can survive in drier environments, so they might reside anywhere within your home. You may find them burrowing into the siding, walls, roof shingles, and insulation.
True to their name, drywood termites often attack dry, healthy wood. They have tougher mandibles that enable them to chew through tough wood.
Appearance
Drywood termites also have a hierarchy that includes different appearances for each role. Termite workers are cream-colored or white. The soldiers are a bit darker, with a range of cream, tan, and brown hues.
The reproductive termites are about 1/2 inch long, and they are dark brown or black. Each one also has three visible veins in its wings, which appear translucent or slightly smoky.
Swarming Habits
Southeastern drywood termites can withstand drier, cooler conditions. As a result, they tend to swarm during the late summer and fall months. They are also nocturnal and often swarm at night.
These termites can also reproduce quickly, but their colonies aren’t as large as subterranean species. Drywood termite colonies usually number in the thousands, whereas subterranean colonies can have millions of members.
No matter what type of termites you have, our experts at T-Rex Pest Control can handle them. We’re certified and trained to deal with all sorts of pests, and termites won’t slow us down.
6 Warning Signs of Termites
Termites are small insects, and they often take refuge in the soil or the walls of your home. Therefore, you might not even notice they’re there. But just like all pests, they leave behind a few tell-tale signs that you can watch out for.
If you spot any of the following signs, immediately contact us at T-Rex Pest Control for termite control in Fate, TX.
1. Visible Insects Flying or Crawling Around
There’s a problem if you see termites crawling or flying around your home. But even if they’re present, you won’t always see them out in the open. Drywood species are easier to spot, but subterranean termites can hide under the soil for a long time. Our inspectors can help you identify the problem areas.
2. Loose Wings Around Windowsills and Doors
Termite wings sometimes come loose, especially after a swarm. These wings are large and sturdy enough to stick around.
If you spot discarded wings around your windows, door, vents, and other entrances, you might have a termite problem on your hands. Collect the wings, and give us a call to determine which species you’re dealing with.
3. Fecal Pellets that Resemble Wood Shavings
Termites eat constantly, and they also produce large amounts of waste. Because termites mainly eat wood, their fecal matter resembles sawdust, coffee grounds, or pencil shavings. These droppings usually match the color of the wood within your home.
4. Mud Tubes in the Soil or Home Foundation
Subterranean termites leave distinct trails behind them when they tunnel. These mud tubes are about the width of a drinking straw. You might find them around the foundation of your home or scattered throughout your yard.
5. Soft, Hollow Wood
Termites weaken the wood in your home as they eat. If you find pieces of wood that are soft, brittle, or hollowed out, call us right away.
6. Dark or Blistered Flooring
Finally, termites can target your home’s flooring and foundation. Even if the floor has a surface layer of linoleum, tile, or carpet, the wooden base is still at risk.
The damage might appear from the top or the bottom, so keep your eyes out for blisters or bumps in the flooring. If you spot strange dark patches, it’s time to reach out to us for termite control in Fate, TX.
Call T-Rex Pest Control to schedule an inspection or extermination. We’ll address your concerns through our fast and easy communication channels.
What Attracts Termites in Fate, TX?
The main thing that attracts termites is cellulose. Cellulose appears in a variety of forms, but plant matter is a termite’s primary food source.
If you’re on the lookout for termites, there are a few hotspots around your yard and house where you might find them:
- Trees, plants, bushes, stumps, branches, etc.
- Firewood or scrap wood
- Sawdust piles
- Mulch, bark, woodchips, and other landscaping materials
- Houseplants
- Cardboard
- Insulation
- Fecal matter
- Paper products
- Books
- Wallpaper
- Drywall
- Cotton fibers
Subterranean termites live in damp environments, so you should also check anywhere where moisture might accumulate. Drain pipes, ditches, hoses, and sprinklers might draw them toward the house.
How to Prevent Termites from Invading Your Home in Fate
You’ll need professional help from our termite experts to remove termite infestations, but you can take some preventative measures that may deter these pests.
Build with Termite-Resistant Wood
For starters, consider building your homes, sheds, porches, etc., with termite-resistant materials. Some wood types are particularly unappealing to termites:
- Pressure-treated wood is tough and imbued with protective chemicals. Although this type of wood becomes more vulnerable as it ages, it still isn’t the first food choice for most termites.
- Wood composite materials that use a blend of wood and plastic also deter termites.
- Heartwood is extremely sturdy, and most termites won’t be able to make a dent in it.
Other termite-resistant woods include yellow cedar, cypress, redwood, and teak.
Remove Standing Water and Moisture
Eliminate sources of moisture around your home, and make sure your gutters and drains are clean and functional. Pay special attention to your foundation, porch, and crawlspaces. Look for any areas where water may be pooling or soaking into the wood.
Keep Your Yard Clean
Make regular yardwork part of your routine to remove possible food sources that attract termites. Trim the foliage around the house to discourage termites from getting too close. Clear away fallen branches, old stumps, and other potential food sources as well. Keep firewood at least 20 feet away from the house. Finally, ensure that all the vents and entrances into your house are clean and free of vegetation.
DIY Termite Solutions
These DIY prevention solutions can ward off some termites. Unfortunately, these methods only affect a small portion of the overall population, and they can’t effectively treat an infestation. It’s always best to go to T-Rex Pest Control so you can get help from our licensed and insured employees.
- Introduce nematodes. These little parasites prey on termites, and they can help control or reduce the population. Unfortunately, they can’t always keep up with the termites, especially if you have a massive infestation.
- Spray natural termite repellants. There are also a few household items that can kill or deter termites. Some of the best options include orange oil, vinegar, and borates. Although these substances can kill termites, it’s difficult to spray the insects if they’re hiding in the walls or are buried in the dirt.
- Trap termites. All you need for this tactic is a sheet of wet cardboard. Once the insects burrow in and start eating the cardboard, pick up the sheet and let it dry in the sun. This method is effective against small numbers of subterranean termites, but it won’t make much of a dent in the overall population.
Schedule Termite Inspections
Finally, you can schedule regular termite inspections as a form of prevention. Our expert exterminators will be able to spot the early warning signs and monitor your home for further issues.
Preventative action is the first step of termite control in Fate, TX. If you can prepare for termites before they arrive, you’ll be able to deal with them much more effectively. It’s crucial to target the source of the infestation instead of picking off stragglers.
Contact T-Rex Pest Control for more expert advice and assistance. You can sign up for one-time treatments or bi-monthly pest control services. If you take advantage of our regular inspections and preventative measures, we can help you avoid costly repairs in the future.
Our Professional Termite Extermination Solutions in Fate, Texas
If you know that there are termites on your property, call us for help immediately. There are several different solutions that our experts can use to exterminate these insects. Termite control in Fate, TX, is no joke, and aggressive treatment is necessary.
Some of our extermination options include bait systems, soil and wood treatment, and fumigation.
Bait Systems
This tactic includes placing poisoned cellulose traps around the home and waiting for the termites to eat the bait. They then carry the poison back to the rest of the colony, where the toxin kills a good portion of termites as it spreads.
It has a nice ripple effect, but this method is best for identifying hotspots of termite activity.
Soil and Wood Treatment
Termites live in the wood and soil around your home, so our soil and wood treatments target those areas. We inject liquid termiticide into the soil and structural wood. This kills termites and creates a chemical barrier that prevents new ones from entering the home.
Fumigation
This final method is extensive, and it’s usually reserved for the worst infestations. During fumigation, you and your family will leave your home, and we’ll pump termite-killing gases throughout the structure, effectively eliminating every termite in the area.
Go Straight to the Experts for Termite Control in Fate, TX
It’s almost impossible to exterminate termites without professional help. These pests may be easy to kill individually, but their main weapon is their rapid ability to burrow and reproduce.
It’s crucial to take them out all at once, so let T-Rex Pest Control tackle all of your termite woes. We provide unmatched service and competitive pricing that won’t break the bank.
In addition to treating termite infestations, we can also deal with:
- Roaches
- Ants
- Carpenter ants
- Fire ants
- Spiders
- Rodents
- Bed bugs
- Ticks
- Mosquitoes
- Stinging pests
- Earwigs
- Crickets
- Beetles
- And more!
Whether you need commercial or residential pest control, all of our services come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If the pests return, we’ll come back and remove them again for free.
Call 469-595-7067 to get premier termite control in Fate, TX, and the surrounding areas. Get a free quote for your initial treatment today.