When it comes to keeping your Southern Indiana home free from termite damage, misinformation can be just as damaging as the pests themselves.
Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t know the facts about these insects. This can leave them vulnerable to infestations and costly repairs.
T & G Pest Control knows the importance of having the correct information to fight termites. We’ve written this blog to help debunk common termite myths and provide you with accurate information. With the right knowledge, you can protect your home from these pests.
So, let’s set the record straight and reveal the truth behind the most common termite myths.
Myth: My Brick Home Is Safe From Termites
Fact: This is a widespread misconception about wood-destroying insects. Even though brick homes are constructed with a sturdy outer layer, the wooden frame inside can still be damaged by termites.
These pests are highly skilled at finding their way into Southern Indiana homes, and they won’t let a little thing like brick and concrete get in their way. In fact, wood-destroying insects can easily penetrate through small cracks and crevices in the foundation and walls of your brick home. Once inside, they will happily feast on the wooden framing, flooring, and even furniture.
So, if you live in a brick home, don’t assume you’re safe from wood-destroying insects. Regular inspections and preventative measures are vital to protect your home from these destructive pests.
Myth: Termites Are Part of The Ant Family
Fact: Termites and ants actually belong to entirely different insect groups. Ants are part of the order Hymenoptera and the family Formicidae, while termites are part of several families within the order Isoptera.
In fact, termites are more closely related to cockroaches than ants.
While termites and ants may look similar to some people, they have very different lifestyles and behaviors. Understanding these differences is essential to identify and treat wood-boring insect infestations in your home effectively.
To learn more about the most common species of termites in Southern Indiana, check out our blog, “What Are Termites and Are There Different Kinds?”
Myth: Identifying Termites Is Easy
Fact: While termites are visible to the naked eye, detecting them in your home is not always easy. Wood-destroying insects tend to nest and work deep within your home, often out of sight.
They avoid light, so they are likely to hide in small cracks and crevices, making them hard for the average homeowner to detect.
These pests are also silent pests, invading homes with very few warning signs. By the time you spot a wood-destroying insect, they may have already caused significant damage to your home.
It takes a licensed and trained professional to identify wood-boring insect damage correctly. So, don’t assume your home is termite-free just because you haven’t seen any signs of them yourself.
Regular inspections by a professional pest control service, like T & G Pest Control, are crucial to catching wood-boring insect infestations early and preventing costly damage to your home.
If you would like to learn about some common signs of termites in a home, check out our blog, “Southern Indiana Homeowners Should Look For These 5 Signs of Termites.”
Myth: I Don’t Need To Worry About Termites Because My Home Has Already Been Treated
Fact: Just because your home has been treated for wood-destroying insects in the past doesn’t mean you are safe from future infestations. While a successful termite control treatment will provide protection for a long time, it is not a one-time solution.
Many factors, such as the products used and quality of work, can affect how long the treatment will last. To protect your home, it’s vital to work with a pest control company to decide when to redo the wood-destroying insect treatment.
Regular termite inspections are also essential to prevent wood-destroying insect damage. Even if your home has been treated before, it’s necessary to schedule yearly inspections to catch any wood-destroying insect activity early and provide treatment before it’s too late.
Myth: I Can Ignore The Termites In A Tree Stump Near My House
Fact: Sometimes, people have old tree stumps and timber in their garden or property. If you notice active termite damage on these items, you may think the termites won’t attack your house. This is not true.
The termites feeding on these external items are likely to have a nest nearby, and they will still be looking for new food sources. To sustain a termite colony, they need a lot of food.
Treating the entire area and having a professional perform a full inspection when you find an area that wood-destroying insects have infested on your property is crucial. This will help prevent further potential damage.
Myth: I Can Treat Termites Without A Pest Control Company
Fact: Some Southern Indiana Homeowners think they can treat wood-boring insects and other pests without hiring a professional by using over-the-counter options. However, these treatments are far less effective than the ones that professionals like T & G Pest Control use.
Homeowners lack the tools, training, and experience to find and treat pests. Homeowners can put themselves and their family members at risk by using treatments that are not managed by professionals. Even if they have the right chemicals, they may not be able to target the infestation correctly.
It may seem like the cheaper and easier solution is to do it yourself, but hiring a professional to evaluate your home is the best way to protect your investment.
Professionals have the expertise and experience to find and treat infestations safely and effectively. If you suspect that you have termites, it is best to contact T & G Pest Control.
It is important for homeowners to educate themselves on the facts about termites and the potential damage they can cause. Don’t let misinformation leave you vulnerable to an infestation that could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs.
Our trained technicians have the knowledge, experience, and specialized equipment to target and eliminate termite infestations effectively. If you suspect you have wood-destroying insects or want to take preventative measures, contact T & G Pest Control.