Termite Control in Cookeville, TN
Home Termite Control from Midstate Pest Control
Termites can cause huge headaches for homeowners. The longer a termite issue goes left untreated, the more damage those pests can cause to your house, and that can end up costing you a lot of in-home repairs. The good news is there is a solution to termite infestation. Midstate Pest Control provides professional termite control services in Cookeville and Crossville, TN with 100% guaranteed results. Since 1953, our locally owned and operated termite control company has provided effective and reliable pest and termite control with treatment programs customized to each specific termite problem. Contact us for a free termite inspection today!
What Exactly Are Termites?
When talking about pest control and exterminations, you hear a lot about termites. But what exactly are they? Termites are insects that live in colonies and feed on wood. While there are different species, subterranean termites are the most destructive in Tennessee, and there are three main types that live in termite colonies together: soldiers, workers, and swarmers. Soldiers have pinchers on their heads and work to defend the termite colony against other insects, such as ants. Worker termites are an off-white, cream color and make up the bulk of the colony. Worker termites do the most damage when it comes to feeding on wood. Swarmers are the reproductive species of the colony, and they a darker brown color and a little longer than worker termites. Swarmers start with wings but eventually lose them and are often confused with ants.
Why Are There Termites in My Home?
Termites play an essential role in nature. They mostly feed on dead trees, rotted wood, and other dead plant material found in leaf litter and soil. This recycling process contributes to a healthy ecosystem. Unfortunately, the cellulose found in rotting wood and fallen trees is also found in the wood used to build homes, and termites don’t discriminate. When it comes to a suitable area to feed, termites look for wood that has come in contact with moisture. Once swarmer termites find an ideal location to feed, they settle in and build colonies. As the termites feed, the size of the colonies increases, and the wood continues to erode. While the easiest access into homes is at ground level, termites can build mud tubes up a foundation wall to travel through and access moist wood above the ground. Conditions in your home that attract termites include:
- Moisture: Termites are attracted to moisture, so any standing water or plumbing leaks in your home can attract a colony of termites.
- Wood in Contact with Your Home: Any wood at ground level that comes in contact with your home can provide access to your house for termites. Firewood that is stacked too close to your house often causes termites, even if your foundation is a few feet above the ground.
- Gaps in Your Home: Openings in your foundation, walls, or roof can allow termites to enter your home to find suitable feeding spots.
- Geography: Some areas, especially those prone to moisture, rain, or wetlands, will attract more termites than others.
What Are Signs of Termites in My Home?
Termites can be confused with other insects, and since they feed deep inside wood, they can be difficult to spot unless a colony is broken open. However, there are signs homeowners can look for that could signal there might be termites in your home. If you suspect you may have a termite infestation, the best thing to do is call the professionals at Midstate Pest Control for a free termite inspection. Signs to keep an eye out for include:
- Wings: If you notice small bee-like wings in your windowsills or near doorways, this could be a sign of wings shed from swarmer termites.
- Hollow Sounds in Your Home: Any hollow sounds in door frames, walls, windows, or other areas could mean termites have fed on the wood in those areas.
- Mud Tubes: Mud tubes are earth-colored formations about the width of a pencil that termites create to travel through. If you see these on foundation walls or other areas, call for an inspection.
Learn How to Protect Your Home from Termites
There are steps you can take as a homeowner to protect your home against termites. Knowing that termites prefer wood and moist conditions is key. Reducing the amount of soil in direct contact with any wood parts of your home is essential. Remove as much wood, lumber, paper, cardboard, and as many plants as possible from the perimeter of your house. Position your downspouts so that rainwater is led as far away from the foundation of your home as possible. Inside, keep up to date with plumbing and appliance repairs to ensure there are no leaks. While these steps may not provide guaranteed protection from termites in your home, they will limit the conditions that typically attract termites.
Give Yourself Peace of Mind with a Free Termite Inspection
At Midstate Pest Control, we provide a 100% guaranteed service for termite control in Cookeville and Crossville, TN. Nothing should prevent you from enjoying the peace of mind that your home is protected against termites, which is why we offer a free termite inspection. Our trained pest control experts look for conditions conducive to termite colony feeding and signs of termites that are not recognizable and visible to homeowners. Our team will provide you with a 45-point inspection report on our findings. We’ve helped countless satisfied customers enjoy pest-free homes since 1953, and our friendly team can do the same for you. Contact us today to schedule your free termite inspection so you can live in your home worry-free from termites!