Termites are some of the nastiest pests a homeowner can face. They are more active during warmer months, and the climate of the Alexandria area affords them plenty of opportunities to find shelter in your home undetected. Termites can be extremely destructive, but for the concerned homeowner, Matar Termite & Pest Control is here to meet your Alexandria pest control needs. First, let’s take a look at how to identify a termite infestation in your home.

What Does A Termite Infestation Look Like?

There are several different kinds of termites, but the most common in the Alexandria area is the eastern subterranean termite. Subterranean termites are made up of three types, or castes: the swarmers, the soldiers, and the workers. All termites have six legs, two antennae, and a long, oval-shaped body. Termite swarmers have wings and are usually the largest of the three types. They are dark brown to nearly black in color. Soldiers are wingless and have cream-colored bodies and darker, rectangular heads with large mandibles. Workers are also creamy white in color, but they do not have wings or large mandibles and are usually a quarter of an inch long or less. 

While you are unlikely to ever see termites in the open, there are several indicators that you may have a termite infestation in your home, including the following:

• Small tubes of mud found on the exterior of your foundation or other areas around your home
• Wood that sounds hollow when tapped
• Termite droppings, which resemble sawdust
•  Large groups of swarmers around your home or discarded wings following a swarm
• Bubbling, uneven paint

These signs can indicate the presence of termites in your Alexandria home, but what brought them there in the first place.

Factors That Attract Termites To Homes And Yards

Subterranean termites, as their name suggests, primarily live underground where it is warm and damp. So any new home they find will likely also have to meet these criteria. If your house is reasonably warm year-round and has enough moisture inside, termites will find it very attractive. Even if you don’t see signs of termites inside your house, they may find refuge in your yard. Wood that is buried or in contact with the ground is a wonderful breeding ground for these pests. When wood is close to your house, such as a stump, firewood, or any kind of scrap wood, it allows termites easy access to a massive source of food and makes them more likely to spread into your home. Wooden porches, stairs, and other structures in contact with the ground can have a similar effect.

How To Remove Factors From Your Property That Attract Termites

Knowing the conditions that might attract termites to your house, there are a few simple steps you can take to make your home less desirable and accessible to these pests. The most important things you can do are to divert water away from your home’s foundation and keep any wood away from its exterior as much as possible. Make sure your downspouts and gutters are working properly, move firewood away from the exterior walls and foundation, trim hedges, and inspect stairs, porches, and other essential wooden structures regularly for active termites.

Professional Termite Control Offers Lasting Protection For Your Home

It’s almost always termite season in Alexandria, and these pests can cause extensive damage to your home that isn’t likely to be covered by your homeowners’ insurance. Professional termite control in Alexandria is the best solution if you need help with an infestation or want your home inspected. Matar Termite & Pest Control is locally owned and operated in Alexandria and has over 50 years of experience. Our highly skilled and trained technicians strive to implement personal, effective solutions with the utmost efficiency. Contact us today to get started and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Alexandria.