Dangers of Termites and Why You Shouldn’t Delay Their Termination

Subterranean termites in San Juan PR - Rentokil, formerly Oliver ExterminatingTermites are one of the most feared pests in our region, not for their ability to bite, sting, or cause harm to us, but for their habits of wreaking havoc on our homes. The National Pest Management Association estimates that termites cause over $5 billion in damage in the United States every year! What’s more, they do so stealthily, often building up colonies in peoples’ homes that last for years without being discovered. If you are worried about a possible termite infestation in your home, this advice from our termite experts will reinforce that you should have that checked out sooner rather than later.

What Do Termites Do?

Termites are infamous for chewing through the wooden structures of homes. Out in the wild, this is a huge benefit to their ecosystems, as the deterioration of old trees allows for a redistribution of nutrients in the surrounding soil. Many people think that because termites prefer to eat wood cellulose, their primarily brick or alternate material homes are safe. However, this is not the case.

Termites are able to find and chew through any kind of wood in our homes, including:

  • Baseboards, moulding, and siding
  • Tables and chairs
  • Cabinets, dressers, and closets
  • Hardwood floors, and more

Termites can even damage window plaster and siding made out of metal. Of course, homes with more wood are more liable for termite damage, but it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to termites.

Signs of Termites in Your Home

Unfortunately for us, termites like to move in secret. It can be difficult to detect a termite infestation in your home before they cause a serious amount of damage. What’s more, some species of termites do most of their work underground—subterranean termites are the most common and the most destructive species of termites in San Juan PR. Although it might be too late to avoid expensive repairs once you’ve seen these, here are some signs that termites are active in your home:

  • Swollen-looking floors or ceilings
  • Buckling wood
  • Blemishes that look like water damage
  • Mazes of layers in walls or furniture

Need Professional Termite Control in San Juan PR?

If you’re looking for an expert termite exterminator in San Juan PR, look no further. Our technicians at Rentokil, formerly Oliver Exterminating, are trained to not only remove active infestations but prevent future ones. With decades of experience and the most effective termite control products available at our disposal, we are proud to be the most reliable termite exterminators in the area. For a free quote or to learn more about our termite control treatments, contact us today!

How Ant Infestations Start in Your Home

An ant infestation in San Juan PR - Rentokil formerly Oliver's Exterminating It’s easier than you might imagine for ants to find what they need in your home. Ants are simple creatures—they’re on the lookout for food and water and will stop at nothing to acquire enough. If you leave ants with a supply of resources and an open path to get there, you will find a trail of them marching through your house in no time.

So, how does this usually happen, and what can we do to prevent it from happening? Read on for Rentokil formerly Oliver Exterminating’s perspective on the ways that ant infestations usually start and what we can do to stop them.

How Do Ant Infestations Start?

Ant infestations usually start when a lone ant finds a source of food in your house. They emit a pheromone that signals to the rest of their colony to follow them to the food, and a trail starts to form. Some foods that ants commonly seek out are:

  • Fruits
  • Meats
  • Bread
  • Spilled sodas and anything else that’s full of sugar

If you’re thinking, “I clean up all of my messes and store my food away, why are there still ants in my house?” the reason for your infestation might be less obvious than others’. It could be a problem with your house. Ants will also take open opportunities for warmth and shelter in your house, entering through:

  • Gaps in wood paneling or brickwork
  • Holes in foundation
  • Ventilation systems
  • Cracked plumbing fixtures, and more

How ants get into your home in San Juan PR - Rentokil formerly Oliver Exterminating

What Can I Do to Keep Ants Out?

The first step to keeping ants out is keeping your kitchen and bathroom clean. All food products should be sealed and stored when not in use, and any spills should be cleaned up promptly. For extra ant protection, clean up spills with a vinegar-based or lemon-scented solution. Excess moisture from your shower or sinks often leads to ant infestations, too.

If you’re still dealing with ant intrusions in a clean home, check around the exterior of your house for easy points of entry. Seal any gaps or openings that you find around the outside of your house or inside along your baseboards. Also, be on the lookout for cracks in your plumbing fixtures. Additionally, take your trash out regularly and keep your bins far away from your house.

Need Professional Ant Control in San Juan?

Sometimes you just can’t find the source of your ant infestation. If you feel that you’re out of luck, you can count on your local pest control company to help you get rid of your ant problem. The expert ant exterminators at Rentokil formerly Oliver Exterminating have years of experience eliminating ant infestations in San Juan and are equipped to do the same for you! Contact us today for a free estimate on ant control.