Termites 101: A Practical Guide To Identification And Control For Moline Homeowners

Yellow termite biting something.
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Many problems can arise for homeowners. One issue that often goes overlooked is termite infestations. When these pests invade, they do not announce their presence. They silently chew through structural wood for months before being noticed. Assuming you do not want your home damaged by these pests, we have some things you need to consider.

Here is a practical guide to termite identification and how to control these pests in Moline. Get in touch with Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators if you want direct advice on how to deal with these pests indoors. We will walk you through our Moline pest control option and find a treatment that best serves your needs.

How To Identify Signs Of Termites

Termites are one of the most reclusive pests in Moline. The most common species, subterranean termites, build their nests underground and invade through tunnels and mud tubes. If you want to identify these pests inside your home, you have to look for the signs they leave behind. Here are four common signs of termites to look for today:

  • Mud tubes crawling up your home’s exterior foundation
  • Moisture spots on walls, floors, and ceilings
  • Doors and windows that are becoming hard to shut and open
  • Live swarmers (winged termites) indoors

For more help spotting these pests before they cause serious damage, bring our team in for a thorough inspection. It is best to have an inspection performed at least once a year.

Why And How Termites Infest And Destroy Homes

If termites are inside your home, they are there for a reason. These pests invade local structures for one reason, and one reason alone, food. If you didn’t know, termites feed on cellulose, the main component in wood, leaves, and wood-based items like cardboard. Often infestations start when these pests find a tasty treat on a property; this might be a fallen tree, a dead stump, or a pile of wet cardboard. After nibbling on one of these things for a while, these pests will then look to your home as a potential source of food. 

Subterranean termites use tunnels and mud tubes to gain access to structural wood. They then slowly chew their way indoors.

Identify And Remove Factors That Attract Termites

In order to prevent termites from damaging your home, you want to do two things. The first is to identify factors that might draw them to your property; this includes wet cardboard, sticks, leaves, untreated wood, water-damaged lumber, and similar items. Remove all wood and cellulose-based clutter from your yard. We also recommend storing lumber and firewood at least 30 feet from your home’s exterior. After you do this, inspect your home’s structural wood and replace sections that are water-damaged, rotting, or in decay. Finally, eliminate sources of moisture build-up and address factors that cause moisture problems, like leaky piping. 

For more help with termites, consider investing in termite control courtesy of Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators.

The Best Termite Control For Moline Properties

There is only one guaranteed method for controlling termites in Moline, which involves hiring a team of professionals. At Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators, we have taken the time to perfect our control offerings. We will start by identifying these pests on your property and dealing with existing infestations. If you want lasting protection, we will implement treatments and monitor termite activity throughout the year to maximize effectiveness. 

Contact Quik-Kill Pest Eliminators now and discover what we can do to help you control termites in Moline and keep these pests out of your home for good.

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