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DIY Termite Extermination: Common Mistakes To Avoid In McAllen

drywood termites

If you believe you are seeing termites at your McAllen home, you may be tempted to try to eradicate the problem on your own. However, relying on DIY methods can lead to problems down the road, such as failing to fully eliminate the issue. 

Choosing to hire trusted professionals in termite control in McAllen, such as the team at Bugworks Termite & Pest Control, gives you assurances and guarantees that simply aren’t possible with DIY control methods.

If your over-the-counter control methods do not fully eliminate these pests, they can continue doing damage while they rebuild their numbers. Eventually, you’ll be in the same position you were when you started. 

At Bugworks Termite & Pest Control, we specialize in complete elimination. We are not satisfied with the job until you are.

Identifying Termite Infestations

For homeowners in McAllen, accurately identifying the presence of termites can be quite challenging. These insects often hide inside wood, where they build their nests and find sources of food, so you may not see the actual bugs.

Occasionally, you may see a few odd-looking insects that you believe could be termites. How do termites look? Most of the time, these insects are about half of an inch in length. They often have a creamy white color, although some are light brown. They have long, oval-shaped bodies.

Rather than seeing bugs, you may see tiny holes inside wood around your home. These holes could be entry points to the termite nests inside the wood. You also may notice that walls sound hollow or that floorboards creak quite a bit as you walk across them when these insects are destroying your home from the inside.

termite inspection from the pros at Bugworks Termite & Pest Control is the best way to identify whether you have termites.

Mistakes To Avoid During Extermination

If you try to deploy a DIY termite control process on your own, some mistakes are more common than others.

  • Creating a barrier around the home that doesn’t completely block the insects from entering

  • Using baits that contain insecticide that don’t reach the termite nest, allowing many of the insects to live

  • Failing to remove all of the termite-infested wood in your home, allowing some of the bugs to survive

  • Missing signs of a termite infestation in another part of the property, like a garage or shed

The best way to avoid mistakes is to reach out to professionals like the team at Bugworks Termite & Pest Control for help with extermination. DIY methods simply don’t carry the guarantees of success that our team provides to you.

Effective Prevention Strategies

Some of the most effective prevention strategies for termites in McAllen include:

  • Use rocks or stones to create a barrier between your home and nearby soil.

  • Make sure no soil is built up to directly touch wood on your home’s exterior.

  • Remove piles of firewood or downed trees from near your home’s foundation.

  • Fix any leaking pipes and faucets outside the home that may draw insects seeking moisture.

  • Fill gaps and cracks in your concrete foundation and where wiring and pipes enter the home.

  • Keep trees and shrubs from touching the home, especially against wood surfaces.

Of course, these preventative strategies are far more effective after Bugworks Termite & Pest Control removes your termite problem. Once these insects are gone, you can deploy your preventative measures to keep them from returning to the property and doing more damage.

Additionally, you can request that our team visit your property on a regular basis to check for signs of termites. If we notice anything, we can start treatment immediately before the population grows larger.

When To Call A Professional Exterminator

If you believe you are seeing these dangerous insects, count on Bugworks Termite & Pest Control to deliver the McAllen termite treatments you need to protect your home and property.

Do not wait, hoping that the problem with these insects will alleviate itself. Once termites move in and find a source of food and moisture, they are not likely to leave on their own. It takes proactive treatment methods to remove the termites. 

Reaching out to our professionals as soon as you believe you have a problem is the best option, as it ensures any treatments can begin quickly. The faster we can start working on the infestation, the better chance we have of eliminating it before your property suffers any significant damage.

You can trust our team’s nearly two decades of experience in pest control. We only employ certified professionals, and we regularly train our team members on the latest techniques and safety measures. 

For a free inspection, call us today.