How You Could Be Wrong About Termites In Dallas

May 14, 2021

No one likes to be wrong, but it happens regularly. Unfortunately, being wrong about termites could cause severe problems for property owners. If you believe some of the myths about termites, your property could be in danger. Learn prevalent termite myths and find out the truth about these Dallas pests.

Myth 1: Termites Serve No Purpose

It's easy to wish a pest as damaging as a termite would disappear forever. However, just as bees and wasps in Dallas are essential to the ecosystem, termites are necessary. They eat decaying stumps and other forms of natural cellulose, which allows decomposition to occur.

Termites don't exist to destroy, but they have the potential to destroy. Like many other pests, termites are only a problem when it comes to conflicts with humans. They see the wood in your structure as appealing as the wood in nature, and this is where the problem lies.

Myth 2: Termites Are Part Of The Ant Family 

Another fallacy is that termites are part of the ant family. From a distance, termites might look like ants. Additionally, they act as a society and communicate much as ants do. But termites aren't classified as ants. While ants have slender waists, termites have broad waists. Their diets vary greatly, as termites only eat cellulose. Even carpenter ants don't eat wood; they merely tunnel through it. 

Myth 3: Mulch Or Decaying Wood Will Keep Termites From Eating My Home

Out of all the myths about termites, this is perhaps the most dangerous. Some people believe keeping mulch or rotting wood on their property will give termites enough to eat. They think the abundance of cellulose will be enough to deter termites from their wooden structures; unfortunately, this isn't the case, and the opposite is true.
 
By leaving wood on your property, you attract termites. Eventually, they'll make their way into your home. To prevent termites, you should remove all rotting wood and lumber piles from your property. 

Myth 4: Termite Infestations Are Easy To Detect

Some pests are easy to detect, but termites are not. They leave behind very few clues. If you don't know what to look for, you won't know termites are in your walls until it's too late to act. Typically, the less obvious signs of termites include termite droppings, knocking in your walls, and buckling ceilings. You could also have an infestation if you notice a swarmer near your property.

Myth 5: Termites Can Eat Through Concrete

Although termites are destructive, they can't eat through concrete. But that doesn't mean a concrete block home in Dallas is safe from termites. These pests can enter homes through small cracks in concrete. Once inside a home, termites usually have plenty of access to wood. Your floors, furniture, and other building materials could become termite food. 

Myth 6: You Only Need To Treat A Home For Termites Once

Unfortunately, there is no magic spray for permanent termite protection. Over time, termite preventative treatments wear down. You need to treat for termites on a regular basis. Furthermore, you should receive regular inspections from a reliable company. The best way to prevent termites is to work with an experienced professional. With their ongoing assistance, you may be able to protect your wood from the damaging jaws of termites. 

Myth 7: You Can Get Rid Of Termites On Your Own

There is no effective DIY method of termite removal. Despite all of your efforts, you can't eliminate termites with ease. If you have an infestation, contact the professionals at Addison Pest Control. Our professionals act at the first sign of termite problems.