The group of eusocial insects or termites, are habitually found in the houses of Miami. These pests are silent destroyers, as termites can invade homes quietly and demolish the structural foundation of buildings. Professional pest control Miami services are efficient in taking proactive steps to eradicate termite colonies with ease and precision.
Threats of Termite Infestations
Termites evolve independently and feed on cellulose materials. They can ruin wooden structures and degrade vegetable matter as they evolve to form crop pests. Subterranean termites found in Miami-Dade County are dependent on soil’s moisture content and enter a building through its foundation.
Termite colonies are the result of swarming and budding in a warm, humid environment. The members of the termite colony are distinct and perform specific tasks. They form tunnels along the foundation of a house to travel and communicate among themselves to reach food sources. They feed within walls, ceilings, and floors and can go unnoticed for months and years.
Ways to Prevent Termite Infestations
Subterranean termites require moisture to survive, and they are often drawn to damp areas in and around a house. Therefore, it is better to lower moisture levels in order to lower the possibility of pest infestation significantly.
- Elimination of Moisture
It is advisable to conduct regular inspections around the house, especially near pipes, faucets, and air conditioning units. Any leakage observed around the house and roof should be immediately repaired and sealed. Ventilation should be ensured in crawl spaces and attics.
- Constructional Requirements
While constructing a house, preventive measures can be taken in the form of using pressure-treated wood, concrete foundation blocks treated with insecticides, and installing reinforced concrete foundations. It can help to prevent termite infestation to a great extent.
- Landscaping
The ground should slope away from the foundation of a building to prevent water accumulation around the house. Overgrown vegetation should be ridden around the lawn or garden area. Gravel or rubber mulch with termite treatments can be used for gardening. Firewood or lumber should be kept above the ground level, and avoid keeping plant pots in a closer vicinity of a house.
- Maintaining Sanity
Apart from cleaning the house on a daily basis, it is also crucial to immaculate gutters and downspouts. Stagnant water sources should be avoided around the house. The homeowners can use caulk or expandable foam as a readymade sealant to close any gaps or cracks observed on an immediate basis.
- Insecticide Treatments
The most common method to curb termites is to flood the shallow trenches of a house with an insecticide and then cover the area with soil. Wooden furnishings can be covered with varnishes or paints to prevent them from getting exposed to termites.
Professional Services for Termite Control
Homeowners should schedule regular inspections to be conducted by licensed pest control service providers. They can thoroughly examine the interior and exterior of a house and address the signs of termite activity, such as mud tubes, damaged wood furnishing, droppings, and discarded wings.
Dehumidifiers and treatment solutions can help to suppress termite colonies. Professionals use wooden bait containing a chitin inhibitor as a replacement for cellulose material used in households. This material is useful in disrupting the normal formation of the exoskeleton and results in the death of the colony.
Any suspicion of termite infestation should be immediately addressed, as it is not possible to extirpate termites with household remedies. Professional help is needed, especially for termite-prone areas like Miami. However, one can opt for termite-resistant building materials while constructing a house and landscaping techniques as preventive measures for termites.