What Property Managers Need To Know About Termite Control
Happy Termite Awareness Month, property managers! Before we start blowing up balloons and cutting cake, we need to talk. Talk about termite control, that is! We know termite damage is nothing to celebrate. However, it’s important for you as a property manager to understand why termite control is crucial for your property. After all, you are responsible for taking care of your tenants, and a huge part of this is commercial pest control! By understanding the threats termites pose to the properties you manage, you can better understand how to find them, treat them and control them. So, let’s get this party started!
Be Sure To Keep These Termites OFF The Guest List
Just because termites weren’t invited, doesn’t mean they won’t show up and try to ruin the fun! Here are three termite party-poopers to be on the lookout for:
Subterranean Termite
These termites are by far the most destructive in the U.S. Subterranean termites typically live underground in moisture-soaked areas, but they can live aboveground, too. These termites form “mud tubes” to safely get back and forth between food sources. Once they colonize, there can be upwards of 2 million termites. That many termites can cause insurmountable damage to your property if not found and controlled immediately.
Formosan Termite
If you have Formosan termites in the structures on your property, you have a big problem on your hands. Formosan termites are extremely aggressive, and will build their muddy colony inside of your structure. Once they have begun to colonize, they are almost impossible to get rid of—and definitely not something you want to deal with on your own!
Drywood Termite
You guessed it! Drywood termites don’t need moisture to infest a structure. They can nest in and eat through dry or dead wood, or in roof structures. Unlike Subterranean and Formosan termites, Drywood termites don’t need soil to create their colony. Instead, they will infest by air—yes, they can fly! Download our Pest Encyclopedia to learn more about the other pests possibly hunting your space.
5 Signs Termites Might Have Already Crashed The Party
Finding out you have a termite infestation is sure to dampen the mood. If you think your property, complex or development has termites, but you aren’t totally sure, here are some telltale signs to look for:
1. Clicking Noises
Put your ear up to walls or areas in your structure that you think might be infested with termites. What do you hear? If you hear clicking noises, there’s a good chance you have termites. While they’re creating tunnels, breaking through wood and munching away, you’re bound to hear them snacking.
2. Left-Behind Wings
“Swarmers” are reproductive termites. When these termites leave the colony, you may notice swarms of termites flying around, or wings that are left behind. Pro tip: To the naked eye, it may be easy to confuse termite wings with ant wings. However, ant wings are different sizes—the top set of wings is larger than the bottom. Termite wings are all the same size. This difference will help you determine which pest the wings belong to!
3. Mud Tunnels
Mud tunnels inside or outside walls are one of the biggest indicators of termites. While it’s rare to find tunnels outside of walls, it’s not impossible. The best way to find these tunnels is to pull away a piece of dead wood and inspect for them. If the tunnels are accompanied with soil or moisture, then you’ll know you’re dealing with Subterranean or Formosan termites. But if the tunnels are dry, it’s probably safe to assume your structure has Drywood termites.
4. Wood Damage
Termites can cause weak, sagging wood, and can make doors and windows harder to close. This occurs due to the “grooves” termites leave behind. As they eat through the wood, termites form grooves that will weaken and damage the wood over time. Not to mention, this type of damage could be a hefty expense for you as a property manager! Replacing walls and floors throughout your property can add up quickly, so make sure you’re keeping an eye on areas you think might be attractive to termites.
5. Termite Frass
“Frass” is just a fancy way of saying termite droppings. If you find a pile of frass on the floor, built up by windows or on the walls, you have a termite problem. Frass is usually found outside of where the termites initially entered the structure. While we hope you never find piles of frass around your property, it is one of the most obvious signs that you have an infestation and need to call a specialist!
Give Termites The Boot (And Ensure They Don’t Come Back)
Time to bounce termites from the party! To protect your property against pest damage, you need to stay proactive in your termite control efforts. Here are five things you should be doing in and around your property to help prevent termite infestations:
Remove Standing Water
Subterranean and Formosan termites thrive in moisture. If there are areas around your property that don’t drain properly or hold moisture, repair these immediately. If this moisture gets into the soil or wood, you could end up with a serious infestation on your hands!
Repair Leaks
When is the last time you checked for clogs in the gutters, or for leaky faucets? These types of moisture can attract termites, too. Water may begin to soak into the walls or floors, making the perfect home for termites. Stay on top of these repairs to give termites one less place to munch on!
Replace Damaged Wood
Any old, rotten or damaged wood should be replaced immediately. Wood that is soaked with moisture should also be replaced. Even if there are no termites in the wood yet, that doesn’t mean there won’t be in the future! Replace damaged wood now to save you the headache of larger repairs later.
Seal Cracks
Cracks in the foundation or windows give easy access to pests like termites. Not to mention, moisture can build up inside of these cracks. Check your property frequently for damages like this. If you find small cracks, seal them immediately. For larger holes or cracks, consult a specialist!
Examine The Roof
Check the roof for cracks, holes, missing shingles and other damages. Since Drywood termites infest by air, the roof will be one of the first places they go. Make sure to maintain proper roofing throughout your property to protect against potential damage.
Commercial Termite Control To Keep The Party Going
While these lines of defense may keep termites at bay, your best option is to implement a commercial pest control plan. Here are three main reasons property managers need to have termite and pest control:
- Defend your property
- Retain your tenants
- Protect your investment
As a property manager, it’s your job to protect your tenants. By investing in commercial pest control, you are defending your property against pest damage, all while keeping your tenants happy and safe—which will make them want to stay! Lastly, you need to protect your own investment. Pest invasions could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs if not treated appropriately, which is why it’s crucial to have a commercial pest control plan in action. When you need a termite expert, look no further than Killingsworth! Our team is trained to identify, treat and remove termites from any property. We know where termites may be hiding and can save you lots of time and money when it comes to termite removal. Plus, we know what termites to look for and how to tell if your property is suffering from termites (or another pest!). Without proper pest control, you could be looking at costly expenses that might put your property in danger. We want to work with you to keep your property, and everyone in it, safe from pest damage. Then, we can really start to celebrate! Ready to tackle pest control the Killingsworth Way? Schedule a service with us today!
