What Do I Do If I Think My Alexandria Home Has Termites?

swarm of termites on the ground
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Keeping your Alexandria home safe from pests is a top priority for any homeowner, but it can be hard to know what you should do if you discover pests in your home, and termites are no exception. What are some signs of termites, and what do you do if you find them in your house? Matar Termite & Pest Control is here to answer your questions and assist you with all your Alexandria pest control needs.

What Are The Signs Of Termites?

Before we look at some common signs of termites, let's examine two of the most common types in the Alexandria area; drywood termites and subterranean termites. These two groups of termites are named after the areas where they most commonly live. Unfortunately, it may take years for signs of a termite infestation to become evident since drywood termites live in the wood they feed on, and subterranean termites live underground. Some signs of drywood termites include swarms of flying termites, discarded wings from the swarmers, and paint that is peeling or bubbling. Signs of subterranean termites include mud tubes on the exterior of your home, damaged wood with soil in it, and droppings, which resemble sawdust. Drywood termites typically come out on warm days or after a shift toward warmer temperatures. Subterranean termites tend to follow both warmth and moisture. If you see any signs of a termite swarm in your house or yard, you should contact a professional pest control service right away. 

How Much Damage Can Termites Cause In My Home?

As mentioned above, a colony of termites can exist in your home without your knowledge for months or years, so it's very important to be vigilant for any signs of their presence. Drywood termites can consume almost anything made out of cellulose, including support beams, floors, ceilings, wall studs, and even wallpaper. Subterranean termites are some of the most outright destructive termites; a small colony can easily consume a fifth of an ounce of wood daily. Every year, termites cause billions in damage costs to properties across the United States. These statistics aren't often published, so most homeowners are unaware of the potential dangers termites present. Rather than trying to deal with an infestation yourself, the best way to get rid of termites is to contact a local pest control service. 

Why Do I Have Termites In My House?

Termites gravitate to homes for several reasons. Drywood termites need warm, dry places to inhabit, while subterranean termites need moisture to survive. Places such as attics, basements, crawl spaces, and gaps in the foundation of your home are prime opportunities for termites. Some may even harbor in trees or bushes near your house and soon gain access that way. There are some simple things you can do to deter termites from entering your Alexandria home, however, such as:

  • Get rid of standing water and make sure your downspouts and gutters are working.
  • Carefully inspect used furniture, picture frames, or other secondhand wooden items before bringing them into your house.
  • Keep vegetation near your house trimmed back.
  • Store lumber and firewood away from your house.
  • Prevent the wooden parts of your home from contacting the soil.

 While these steps may stop a termite invasion, what happens if they're already inside? Your best option for termite control in Alexandria is a professional pest control company. 

How Do I Get Rid Of Termites In My Home?

If you are an Alexandria homeowner who needs to get rid of termites fast, contact Matar Termite & Pest Control. Our family-owned company has been helping people like you with pest problems since 1991, and we've received multiple quality awards for our eco-friendly treatments and outstanding customer service. When you choose Matar Termite & Pest Control, you can be confident that you've hired the best termite control company for your Alexandria home. Contact us today to get started and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Alexandria.