How To Identify And Get Rid Of A Termite Infestation In Your Richmond Home

When you think of house guests, you might imagine friends and family members dropping by for a weekend visit. But the last thing you expect to do is roll out the red carpet for thousands of termites with a voracious appetite for wood. When these tiny terrors infiltrate your walls, floors, and furniture, they can turn your cozy abode into a 24-hour buffet.

But not to worry. With Mitchells Pest Control by your side, you have all the resources at your disposal to successfully eliminate different kinds of termites. Our team understands the level of chaos these miniature, wood-munching monsters can cause, so we respond with a sense of urgency to save your investment from destruction. 

Keep on reading to learn more about termites, how to recognize they've invaded your property, and why partnering with Richmond pest control specialists can help clear an infestation fast.

You're Likely Never To See A Termite

Termites in Richmond are commonly referred to as "silent destroyers" because of their capability to operate covertly and out of plain sight. These insects typically live inside the same wooden materials that they eat away. Because of their quiet nature, most people don't realize these destructive critters have infested their homes until much of the damage has already occurred. Termites are small in size, ranging from 1/4 to 1/2 inch in length, which makes them difficult to spot, especially if you don't know they exist. Often people confuse them with other types of insects, like ants.

They also thrive in dark, damp, and humid environments, like basements, crawl spaces, and other areas of the home that aren't frequently visited. The mud tubes termites use to travel between their colony and food source are mostly hidden behind walls or under flooring, making them difficult to see.

If you're concerned about a possible termite problem in your home, contact your local pest management company for further assistance.

How To Identify Termite Damage

Termites are notorious for destroying wooden structures, so it's crucial to recognize the damage early and take action as soon as possible. Several signs of termites in your home include:

• Buckling floorboards

• Hollow-sounding wood

• Discarded wings

• Mud tubes along your home's foundation

• Pinpoint holes in drywall

You may also notice peeling paint or wallpaper or what appears like water damage. Additionally, your tiles may start to loosen, and your floorboards may become excessively squeaky. In extreme cases, your roof or walls could sag. Therefore, if you've seen clues of termites on your property, give Mitchells Pest Control a call so we can assess your situation and develop a suitable action plan.

How And Why Termites Invade Homes

Termites invade homes for one main reason; food. But we're not talking about your box of cereal, cookies, or assortment of fruit. These insects crave any cellulose-based materials your house has to offer, which supplies them with all the nutrients they need to survive. And it just so happens that wood consists of a high amount of this insoluble organic substance. Termites can gain access into your home through cracks in your foundation, gaps in your siding, or even through small openings around windows and doors. 

Once inside, they'll establish their colony, which can grow to include thousands of termites. These pests are also attracted to excess moisture or water damage, so make sure to repair any leakage issues promptly. Be sure to contact a qualified termite and pest control company to set up routine inspections to detect termite activity early on.

What It Takes To Get Rid Of Termites

Why experiment with do-it-yourself (DIY) termite treatments when home pest control professionals are just a phone call away? It's like trying to perform surgery on yourself instead of going to the doctor. Infestations are hard enough to deal with, so let our team at Mitchells Pest Control remove the burden of resolving the issue on your own. We work with you one-on-one to devise an optimal elimination strategy that works for you. Contact us today so we can set up your free inspection.