February Termite Insepction Special

Black Knight has a treat for our customers the entire month of February you can get a Complete Termite Inspection for only $45.00. 

Be sure to mention the Special when you place your order.

 The extra money you will be saving you can put towards that Special Someone on Valentines Day. 

Starts the 1st of February and runs the entire month.

Termites: Why You Should Know How to Look for an Infestation

There are few investments more necessary to the home than termite control. Temecula homeowners typically don’t think about this investment much, aside from a compulsory check for termites upon purchasing the home. Considering the damage that these wood-eating critters can cause to a home, though, it’s important to be aware of the telltale signs of a termite infestation before the problem escalates to a dangerous level. The following article will explain why it’s important to be able to spot an infestation, and a few tips to help you look for the signs.

Call Black Knight Termite & Pest Control at 951-694-8100 for all your home and business needs!

Why Termite Infestations are Best Spotted Early

From flea control to rodent control, Temecula homeowners are always better off discovering a pest problem early on. Termite infestations, however, should be particularly concerning. It is no exaggeration to say that termites are responsible for billions of dollars’ worth of destruction and damage to American property each year. Residential homes are particularly susceptible because of the propensity of woodwork in the structures. Termites don’t only eat wood, though, they also eat books, insulation, paper, shrubs, trees, and filtration systems and liners for swimming pools. 

When and How to Look for Termites in Your Home

When: Termite inspections are typically conducted when buying or selling a home, often as a condition of a mortgage or other agreement. This is, of course, a prudent course of action considering the size and weight of such a transaction. But homeowners shouldn’t only look for signs of termite infestations and seek professional help when buying or selling their home. It’s always a good idea to be aware of the telltale signs and be ready to call in the professionals who specialize in pest control. Temecula homeowners should be particularly vigilant in the spring months, between March and May, as this is when termites often appear in homes and start colonies to take advantage of the warmer weather. 

How: There are several telltale signs to keep your eye out for. If there is a material that looks like mud around the home, or wood that is left to only a thin layer on the surface with more “mud” around any breaking points, you have spotted a sign of the “mud tubes” that termites make from feces, saliva and soil. Subterranean termites also build tubes underground to get into homes from the bottom up, although exploratory and migratory tubes might not connect to the structure of a home and drop tubes might only return from the home to the soil. In addition to mud tubes and weakened or damaged wood, you might also spot seemingly innocuous things like tiny holes in the wood and buckling paint. Also remember that not all termites are burrowers; there are also swarming termites that are often referred to as “flying ants.” These swarmers often hover near light sources on warm days.

If you have any suspicions that termites might be in or around your home, just remember to call us right away. This is the best way to protect your home, your investment, and all the loved ones relying on a safe foundation and structure surrounding them is to ask for help from the professionals.

Subterranean Termites

Mud Tubes, a Termite Highway to your Home.

Subterranean Termites build their nests under ground and feed on buried Cellulose Material, making your home appetizing to these six legged Pests.  Once their underground food supply has ran out they will build "Mud Tubes" or Shelter Tubes that extend out from the soil to reach more of a needed food source.  Mud Tubes are also to protect them in their quest for more food to bring back to the Colony.  The Tubes are made of saliva, water particles, fecal matter and soil, therefor are brown in color and look to be made of dirt. 

In this picture you can get an idea of just how aggressive Subterranean Termites can be in building their Mud Tubes out from underground in search for food. Pala, California

Subterranean Termites can build their Colonies in the ground underneath your home, then can move on to the actual wood structure leading to what can be extremely costly repairs.  There are several preventative measures that can be done both inside and outside your home to help keep Subterranean Termites from attacking your home as a food source.  One way is to avoid water accumulation around your home by properly installing rain gutters to direct water away from home.  Inside your home you can reduce the humidity with proper ventilation which will help keep the Colonies out. 

If you come across what you think could possibly be Subterranean Tubes in or around your home you will want to schedule a Termite Inspection as soon as possible to avoid any further damage that may have already taken place.  A Home Termite Inspection done by a Professional would be the best way to get a better understanding of damage Termites have started in and around your Home.