Y’all may shudder at the thought of spiders – eight-legged night crawlers that they are. But, let’s talk about a different type of arachnid, one that not only shares the fear factor of spiders but also comes equipped with a venomous stinger. Yep, today we’re tackling every Texan’s nightmare critter: the scorpion!

While scorpions are often spotlighted in horror and adventure movies, the ones you’ll likely stumble upon here in North Texas are less daunting once you understand their habits. Scorpions, being mostly nocturnal, do a darn good job of avoiding us humans in the metroplex. However, when it’s hotter than a jalapeno’s armpit and the summer is in full swing, you might cross paths with them, especially during dry spells.

So, how do you avoid scorpions in Texas? This blog post will shed some light on how these sneaky critters manage to make your home their own.

Meet the Striped Bark Scorpion

Also known as centruroides vittatus, the striped bark scorpion can be identified by its signature two-tone color palette. These venomous varmints are typically a mix of dark brown or black stripes on a lighter body. They have a long, slender physique that’s quite different from the bulkier types you see in other scorpion species. They grow to about 2 to 2.5 inches – small enough to be sneaky and dangerous!

Fun fact, y’all: these lil’ buggers will glow under black light. This makes it easier to spot them if you suspect one’s lurking around your home.

While not as lethal as other scorpion species around the world, the striped bark scorpion ranks high on the list of most dangerous scorpions in Texas. A sting from this critter can cause sharp, intense pain, and while it’s rarely fatal to healthy adults, it can be particularly risky for children, older folks, or those with weakened immune systems.

Habitat and Lifestyle of the Striped Bark Scorpion

Our striped bark friends thrive in the North Texas climate, thanks to the area’s abundant food sources, which include insects, spiders, and small vertebrates. These critters prefer the safety of small, narrow spaces during the day and will hide under rocks, wood piles, or tree bark (which gives them their name). When the conditions outdoors become too dry, they often sneak indoors through cracks and crevices, in search of a damp, cool environment. They’ve been unwelcome guests in many of our North Texas homes and businesses.

Inside your home, striped bark scorpions might take cover in dark, secluded areas such as closets, shoes, and folded clothes, or even in your bed. They have a knack for climbing, so don’t be surprised if you find them on walls, ceilings, or hanging light fixtures.

Armed with this knowledge, you’re well-equipped to tackle your scorpion problems. Remember, understanding your enemy is the first step towards showing ’em the door!

Striped Bark Scorpion Sting Treatment

Now, before we dive into this, remember we are pest professionals and not medical professionals. While we’re experts in sending those scorpions packin’, we always recommend seeking professional medical advice for any health concerns. However, if you’re unlucky enough to find yourself on the business end of a striped bark scorpion sting, don’t panic. Here’s what you need to do:

• Clean the Area: Wash the sting site with warm, soapy water. This helps to clean the wound and prevent any potential infection.
• Cold Compress: Use a cold compress on the sting area to help reduce swelling and numb the pain. Just remember, it’s 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off, and never apply ice directly to your skin.
• Over-the-Counter Relief: Pain relievers from your local pharmacy can help alleviate some discomfort. Topical creams with hydrocortisone or oral antihistamines can soothe any itching and inflammation.
• Stay Calm: Keeping calm and still can slow down the spread of venom through your body.

After a sting, you might experience some of the typical symptoms, including immediate pain or burning, slight swelling, sensitivity to touch, numbness or pins-and-needles tingling in the area around the sting.

While most folks recover with no problems, there are times when it’s important to call in the medical professionals. Don’t hesitate to seek immediate medical help if you or the person stung experiences:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Uncontrolled jerking or twitching – which could indicate a serious neurological reaction to the venom
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• High fever or chills
• Widespread hives or rash
• Intense pain that does not subside after a couple of hours

Remember, especially when it comes to kiddos, older folks, or anyone with a compromised immune system, get medical attention right away if stung, even if the symptoms seem minor. The venom of a striped bark scorpion can have a stronger effect on these folks.

How to Prevent Scorpions in Your North Texas Home

1. Check and Upgrade Your Weather Stripping

Scorpions, those sly critters, can slide into your home through the teeniest gaps. If your weather stripping has seen more sunsets than a tumbleweed, it’s high time you gave it an upgrade. Think of it as rolling up the welcome mat for these sneaky varmints.

2. Plug those Gaps and Cracks

Your homestead might look as snug as a bug in a rug, but scorpions can still find the narrowest nooks to squeeze through. Even a gap as thin as a credit card can be an open door for them.

So, saddle up with a solid sealant like caulk to fill in all gaps and cracks in your home. Get door seals to close off any space around doors and secure your windows tightly. Block those access points, and you’ll make it harder for the scorpions to squat in your living space.

3. Clear Outdoor Hiding Spots

Before striped bark scorpions wriggle their way into your North Texas abode, they usually shack up in your yard, waiting for an opportunity to mosey on indoors. Scorpions aren’t exactly speedy and their vision’s none too sharp. Once they find a cozy hideout with access to food, they’ll hunker down. Clearing these potential outdoor hiding spots can deter them from moving indoors.

So, maintain your yard: keep the grass and bushes near your home trimmed, and remove yard debris where scorpions can take cover. Store wood piles away from your home. Remember, outdoor items like toys can unintentionally offer the perfect haven for these pests. Make sure to keep things tidy.

4. Declutter and Clean Your Home

A cluttered house is a scorpion’s paradise. They’ll find all sorts of places to lie low. Keeping your home neat and tidy can smoke them out, making it easier to send them packing.

Try to store items like boxes and baskets on shelves rather than on the floor where scorpions can get inside of them. Keep clothes, shoes, and other items off the beds and make sure closets and bedrooms are well-organized. Also, avoid leaving food residues or leftovers lying around – while scorpions won’t fancy your BBQ leftovers, they might be on the menu for other pests that scorpions feed on.

5. Call in the Cavalry – Professional Pest Control

Managing scorpions can be a tougher challenge than a rodeo bull with a gruge. These arachnids are tough, resilient, and mighty crafty. They can sneak into your home through even the smallest gaps. However, by eliminating their food sources and blocking entry points, you can cut down the chances of these unwelcome guests settling in.

General pest control to eliminate bugs is a vital step in your scorpion showdown. No food means fewer scorpions. But why not go a step further? At Buckaroo Pest Protection, we don’t just tackle the critters that scorpions feed on, but the scorpions themselves.

Our specialists are seasoned in scorpion habits and habitats and use this knowledge to effectively treat and prevent scorpion invasions around your Texas home or business.

Contact Buckaroo for Scorpion Control

Here in the Lone Star State, we’ve got plenty on our plates – the heat, the erratic weather, and, of course, those heart-stopping Dallas Cowboys games. Let’s leave scorpions out of the mix. Give us a call and let us wrangle your scorpion troubles. This way, you can kick back and enjoy a pest-free home. With Buckaroo Pest Protection, you can bid those scorpions a big Texas-style goodbye, and welcome peace of mind.

Welcome to Buckaroo Pest Protection’s comprehensive guide to effectively dealing with common Texas wildlife pests. Living in North Texas, it’s no secret that nuisance wildlife can pose a significant challenge. Fortunately, our professional wildlife pest control services are here to help protect your home and your loved ones.

At Buckaroo Pest Protection, we prioritize the safety of your family and the environment. We use eco-friendly and non-toxic solutions to remove nuisance wildlife. Let’s explore the most troublesome wildlife pests in Texas and discover effective strategies for their removal.

Squirrels

Squirrels in Texas may be adorable, but they can wreak havoc on your property. They are drawn to your home by food sources such as bird feeders and easily accessible garbage cans. To keep squirrels away, start by sealing any openings or gaps in your home’s exterior that might serve as entry points. Additionally, trim tree branches away from your roof to eliminate easy access routes. If you want to divert their attention, consider placing squirrel-proof feeders away from your home.

Rats

Rats are not only destructive but also carry diseases. They have an excellent sense of smell and are often attracted to homes with accessible food and water sources. Ensure that all cracks and holes in your home’s foundation and walls are sealed to deny them entry. Keep your food stored in airtight containers and clean up spills promptly. Utilize snap or live traps baited with peanut butter or nesting materials to capture rats effectively.

Opossums

Texas opossums are notorious for rummaging through trash cans and creating messes. They are attracted to easily accessible garbage cans and leftover pet food. Prevent these intruders by securing your garbage bins with tight-fitting lids. Clear away fallen fruits or vegetables from your yard, as these can also attract them. Consider installing motion-activated lights or sprinklers to startle and discourage opossums.

Raccoons

Raccoons are clever and adaptable creatures that can cause substantial damage. They are attracted to homes that offer easily accessible food sources such as trash cans, fallen fruits, and pet food left outside. Raccoon pest control measures include making sure your trash cans are securely fastened and not easily accessible. Remove potential food sources from your yard, and consider installing sturdy, lockable lids on chimneys and attics to prevent raccoon entry.

Armadillos

While Buckaroo Pest Protection doesn’t service armadillos, it’s essential to know what attracts them to your property. Armadillos are attracted to areas with an abundance of insects, grubs, and other small invertebrates. They can damage lawns by digging for these food sources. Prevent Texas armadillos by installing a sturdy fence around your property and removing food sources such as grubs and insects, from your yard. Motion-activated sprinklers can also discourage armadillos from digging.

Skunks

Skunks are infamous for their unpleasant odor and property damage. They are attracted to properties with easily accessible food sources and suitable shelter. Securely seal trash cans and compost bins to minimize Texas skunk encounters. Eliminate potential hiding places like brush piles or openings beneath structures. Use motion-activated lights or loud noises to help deter skunks from approaching your property.

Snakes

While Buckaroo Pest Protection may not be able to remove snakes from your property it’s still prudent for you to know the crucial steps you can take towards reducing their presence. Snakes tend to congregate in areas with suitable habitats and sources of food, including rodents. So, keeping your yard free of clutter is key. That means removing any tall grass or brush piles that could provide hiding places for these creepy crawlers. It’s also important to seal up any cracks or gaps in your home’s foundation where snakes could potentially enter. Lastly, make sure you address any rodent infestations you may have, as these can serve to attract snakes.

Remember: DIY methods may not be as effective as professional pest control services, especially when dealing with persistent or larger infestations. It’s important to prioritize your safety and consult with experts like Buckaroo Pest Protection for proper and efficient wildlife pest control.

Tackling Common Texas Wildlife Pests with Buckaroo Pest Protection

Protecting your household and real estate from nuisance wildlife in Texas demands a proactive strategy. To effectively control pest situations in your abode, it’s essential to schedule consistent maintenance plans that deal with the unique challenges posed by unwelcome critters. Our skilled squad will assess your home, identify potential access points, and apply proven methods for preventing pest infestations.

Reasons to Choose Buckaroo Pest Protection:

Expertise in Texas Wildlife

Our team at Buckaroo Pest Protection takes pride in our expertise when it comes to Texas wildlife. We understand the behavior and habits of the most troublesome wildlife pests in the region, including squirrels, rats, opossums, raccoons, skunks, and snakes. This knowledge allows us to develop targeted strategies for effective wildlife pest control.

Whether it’s identifying common entry points, implementing preventative measures, or employing specialized removal techniques, our professionals have the knowledge and experience to handle Texas wildlife pests with precision. You can trust our expertise to protect your home from these nuisances and ensure a safe and pest-free environment for you and your family.

Customized Solutions

Buckaroo Pest Protection understands the uniqueness of every home and how problematic wildlife-related pests can vary in severity. Therefore, our services offer personalized solutions to match your individual requirements. For a satisfaction-guaranteed service experience, our specialist team meticulously analyzes all facets of the premises. We’ll consider size measurements and a thorough examination of infestation levels along with any specific concerns you might have before we initiate any plan.

With this information, we will develop a personalized plan that addresses your specific wildlife pest challenges. Whether it’s implementing exclusion methods, setting up traps in strategic locations, or employing habitat modification techniques, our customized solutions ensure the most effective and efficient pest control measures get implemented to resolve your wildlife pest issues.

Long-Term Protection

At Buckaroo Pest Protection you won’t just experience temporary relief from wildlife pests, you’ll get comprehensive long-term pest control solutions. Our regular maintenance plans provide ongoing protection for your home to minimize the risk of future infestations and reduce the need for costly repairs.

We understand that wildlife pests can be persistent, and that’s why our comprehensive approach focuses on proactive measures to create a pest-free environment that lasts. With scheduled inspections, targeted treatments, and ongoing monitoring, our long-term protection ensures that your home remains safeguarded against Texas wildlife pests. Our team’s goal is to provide you with peace of mind for years to come.

Safe and Eco-Friendly Practices

The safety of your household and of Mother Earth is a top priority at Buckaroo Pest Protection. That’s why our wildlife pest control services rely heavily on employing safe and environmentally sound practices. We understand the concerns associated with chemical exposure and strive to minimize these types of treatments as much as possible.

Our trained professionals are well-versed in the latest techniques of eco-friendly pest control. Our arsenal includes tried-and-true methods that efficiently eliminate wildlife pests without relying heavily on chemical solutions. From exclusion tactics to habitat modification and humane removal approaches, we prioritize safety for both humans and local ecosystems alike.

By reducing the reliance on chemical treatments, we not only protect your family from unnecessary exposure but also contribute to the preservation of the environment. Our eco-friendly approach aims to maintain the delicate balance of nature while effectively managing wildlife pest populations.

Additionally, we prioritize the use of non-toxic and low-impact products whenever feasible. These products are carefully selected to ensure they are safe for your loved ones, including children and pets, while still providing effective pest control solutions.

Furthermore, our team is dedicated to promoting sustainable practices in wildlife pest control. We educate our clients on preventive measures, such as sealing entry points and eliminating attractants to reduce the need for ongoing treatments. This proactive approach not only helps in the long-term management of wildlife pests but also reduces the overall environmental impact.

Professional and Reliable Service

When you choose our services, you can expect a high level of professionalism in every aspect of our work. From our initial consultation to the execution of the pest control plan, we maintain open communication, ensuring that you are informed and involved throughout the entire process. Our team arrives on time, equipped with the necessary tools and resources to tackle the job efficiently.

We take pride in our commitment to providing reliable service. Our goal is to exceed your expectations by providing long-lasting results that ensure your home remains protected from wildlife pests.

Our focus is customer satisfaction backed by our guarantee. We are committed to making it right if our work does not meet your standards. We strive to build lasting relationships based on trust and reliability.

Bottom line, remember it’s not just about control, it’s about care. For effective, safe, and eco-friendly wildlife pest control in North Texas, contact us today at Buckaroo Pest Protection or visit our website to learn more and book an appointment.

What in tarnation is that infernal whining?

Has this thought ever crossed your mind while trying to relax in your backyard? Mosquitoes have the uncanny ability to know exactly where your ears are and seemingly enjoy flying back and forth so even their relentless little whine is a pain. And then the nasty little bloodsuckers bite you and things get even worse!

But what about the mosquito’s perspective. Have you ever thought about how long mosquitoes live? The little guys are just fighting for survival like everyone else. Fortunately, it turns out they don’t get to enjoy much of life.

Read on to find out about the mosquito lifespan — and how to cut it short.

The Mosquito Lifespan

Humans don’t like mosquitoes and will squash them at every chance they get. Then there are animals like bats or other insects like dragonflies who love mosquitoes a lot. They particularly enjoy them with a side of fries.

In short, not a lot of mosquitoes have the luxury of dying of “old age”. But when they do, those lucky individuals enjoy a grand total of 42 – 56 days of life on average — if they’re female. Male mosquitoes live for a whopping 10 days or so.

That’s it!? But yet, they still somehow manage to be everywhere and the deadliest creature alive.

What Do Mosquitoes Eat?

Mosquitoes eat primarily plant nectar.

What? Then why are those darn critters always out for blood?

Though they feed on nectar, a female mosquito needs at least one blood meal to produce her eggs and prepare to lay them. Without blood, they are unable to procreate. Males stick to nectar and don’t bite humans.

Where Do Mosquitoes Live?

Mosquitos can live pretty much anywhere there is standing water. Without water they can’t lay their eggs. They have been found in mines as deep as a mile underground and high up in the mountains at 14,000 feet.

Throughout the world, there are more than 3,000 species of mosquitoes but only about 176 of these live in the U.S. Despite the type of species or where they live, these little nuisances all follow the same lifecycle.

The Mosquito Lifecycle

There are four stages of the mosquito lifecycle. Things move quickly and mosquitoes can reach adulthood within a couple of weeks.

The Egg Stage

After the female has her blood meal at your expense, she’s ready to lay her eggs. Some species scatter their eggs while others lay them in attached groups that float in the water and are called rafts.

Eggs can hatch within a few days, but this depends on the temperature of the water and other conditions. Eggs laid in areas only intermittently exposed to water can lay dormant for several years waiting for the right moment.

The Larval Stage

Mosquito larvae look like tiny hairy worms. They emerge from their eggs and wiggle around in the water, breathing through an air tube that works like a snorkel. They eat as if aquatic microorganisms were going out of style and molt four times before entering the pupal stage.

This process can last between 4 and 14 days depending on water temperature, food, and the species.

The Pupal Stage

Larvae take a break from their rabid feeding to enter the pupal stage, which only lasts about 1½ to 4 days. Then, the newly formed adult emerges.

The Adult Stage

Males usually emerge first and are ready and waiting. Once the females emerge, a mating swarm occurs. This is a big reason why mosquitoes continue to proliferate despite having such a short lifespan. Their literal first act as an adult is to make babies!

The males then quickly die off while the females fly off in search of a tasty blood meal to start the process all over again.

The Best Mosquito Control

There are numerous ways to keep mosquitoes out of your yard. Removing all areas with standing water is a big one. If they have nowhere to breed, mosquitoes can’t flourish. Look for buckets, trash bins, flowerpots and toys. Refresh bird baths regularly.

A natural solution is to add plants that repel mosquitoes to your garden. This will keep neighboring mosquitoes from coming in search of their blood meals. A female can fly 1 – 10 miles while looking for food and a place to lay her eggs. Many of the plants that repel mosquitoes also repel other pests. These include lavender, eucalyptus, marigold, basil, catnip and citronella.

You can also treat your yard with mosquito yard spray or other mosquito treatments to kill active mosquitoes living in your space.

Expert Texas Mosquito Protection

If you’re looking for solid protection from these pesky little critters, turn to the folks at Buckaroo Pest Protection. We specialize in protecting your home against all sorts of threats — whether they be whiny pests out for blood or excessive chemicals that are harmful to your family’s health.

Contact us today to learn more about our safe and effective mosquito control options!

Hoo boy! These critters are nothing to mess around with!

Fire ants might be little, but they make their presence painfully known if the occasion calls for it. They also reproduce quite quickly. Thus, upon discovering a fire ant infestation, getting rid of it should become your priority!

Here’s why and how to get rid of fire ants.

What Are Fire Ants?

Fire ants aren’t native to North America. They arrived from South America in the 1930s and have since spread to infest more than 260 million acres of land spanning 9 southeastern states, including Texas. Their rampage sometimes comes at the expense of native ant species and other wildlife, due in large part to their mating and protective habits.

A single colony of fire ants can produce thousands of queens, each with the potential to start her own colony. Queens mate with flying males and can travel distances either under their own steam or by hitching a ride on cars or trains. They can even float to new areas in flood waters.

Plus, queens only eat food that workers have eaten first. Thus, if an ant control poison works too rapidly, it will never make it to the queen.

What do fire ants look like? At between 1.5 and 5 millimeters long, fire ants are quite small — even for ants. Their bodies are bright red or reddish brown.

The Risks of Fire Ants

Fire ants are not the only red ants in Texas — so just seeing a red ant isn’t necessarily cause for alarm. However, if the red ant you see is a fire ant, watch out!

Fire ants will grab ahold of you with their powerful jaws in one-half less than no time. But that’s not the part to be concerned about. Once they get a good grip, they can insert their stinger and inject the burning venom they’re famous for.

One fire ant sting isn’t so bad. It’ll burn a little and itch and usually develop a little white pustule. If you treat it right, it probably won’t become infected. Fire ant bite treatment includes icing it to help with the burning and applying hydrocortisone cream and antibiotic ointment to keep the bite clean.

The bigger problem is that fire ants are aggressive and attack in droves. One ant can sting multiple times while his buddies are rushing to help — and there are more fire ants in one colony than you can shake a stick at! Enough stings can put people at risk of anaphylactic shock, particularly if the individual is allergic.

Beyond this irritation, fire ants are also dangerous to other animals. They will often eliminate competing insects when they move into an area. And their stings are powerful enough (in large numbers) to kill other animals — even baby livestock! The impact is so great that wildlife reproduction rates go up after area-wide fire ant suppression campaigns.

How to Get Rid of Fire Ants

In short, fire ants are about as welcome as an outhouse breeze. Once people spot them, they start reading up on fire ant killers to find out the fastest and most effective way to eliminate these pesky critters.

If you already have an infestation, the best plan of attack is to go to the source — the fire ant nest. Fire ants live in the ground, but the fire ant mound looks a little different. These ants don’t make exit holes in the top of the mound like other types of ants. Instead, they create subterranean tunnels and form mounds with the discarded dirt. You can spot their entrance tunnels in the flat areas surrounding the mound.

There are two main ways to get rid of fire ants with pesticides:

1. Scatter slow-acting poison around the yard for foragers to pick up and take back to the nest.
2. Drench the mound with either liquid or granular pesticides formulated specifically for fire ants.

To protect your home from future infestations you can use a broadcast treatment over your yard. For the best results, spread the treatment at the right time of year (late August to mid-October) and the right time of day (late afternoon when ants are foraging).

Protecting Your Home from Fire Ants

There’s no doubt about it, fire ants are not welcome critters. Not only do they pose a painful threat to your family members, but also to other wildlife who don’t take too kindly to them either.

But unlike wildlife, you can do something about it!

Call us friendly folks here at Buckaroo Pest Protection. We are committed to protecting your home from all threats —including the unnecessary use of poisonous chemicals. Fire ants are a real problem that we’ll help you take care of it in the healthiest way possible.

Reach out to us today to learn more!

Termites are among the most destructive pests that Texans face. Each year, termites cause roughly $30 billion dollars in damage to crops and manmade structures.

In areas like ours here in Texas where termites flourish, few homeowners go unscathed. These pesky little critters have an awful habit of showing up at the most inopportune times.

And they are about as welcome as a skunk at a lawn party.

Read on to find out how you can keep an eye out for termites and how to protect your homestead from the ravages of severe termite damage.

What Are Termites?

You’d only be asking this question if you’re new to these here parts. The short answer is that these are incredibly tiny creatures that can cause a serious amount of damage to your home or business.

How big are termites? Only between ¼ inch to ½ inch long. But what they lack in size, they make up for in number. A termite colony can easily house between 60,000 and 1 million termite individuals. If you spot termites on your property, you don’t want to let their numbers multiply.

And what’s worse is these little, soft-bodied critters never sleep. Nope. They spend their entire lives running around and chewing, chewing, chewing on anything they can find with cellulose. If that happens to be the wood in your home, you’ll be looking at an expensive repair bill if you don’t catch them early.

So, it’s 112 times better for you to catch them in a New York minute.

How to Check for Termites?

Termites like to hide. Subterranean termites live in underground colonies but build mud tubes to commute to your home. Drywood termites burrow into your walls and rarely poke their ugly heads out to be seen.

This is why the damage can often be extensive by the time you discover termites in your home or business. Though termites don’t show themselves often, the signs of their passing are a little more obvious.

Keep your eyes always peeled for these signs of termites:

1. Termites with Wings

As termite colonies mature, they produce a special type of termite that is more worrisome than the average soldier. These termites are capable of reproducing — and they have wings.

Typically, in early spring, these termites swarm out of the nest and go out into the world to start their own colonies. The problem is that they don’t go far and usually start a new colony right there on your property. The swarm only lasts for a short period so you can easily miss it. But piles of shed wings lying around are a sure sign that one happened.

2. Termite Droppings

Termites are so small you’d think that seeing termite droppings would be nearly impossible. But since they are constantly eating, they are constantly pushing refuse out behind them.

Subterranean termites use their droppings to help build their mud tunnels so it’s not common to see them. But drywood termites leave droppings called frass lying in plain sight — we have a whole passel of these kinds of termites here in Texas.

Termite frass looks like tiny piles of wood dust and can be found anywhere near termite activity. Watch for it around windows and doors where termites have easier access.

3. Stuck Windows or Doors

Here’s one that might seem a little “out there.” If a window or door suddenly starts sticking in its jamb, termites could be to blame. As termites burrow through the wood and cause damage, that wood can warp and no longer fit properly.

Of course, there are plenty of other causes for stuck windows and doors, but if this happens, take a closer look for a possible termite infestation.

4. Noises in the Night

Remember that termites don’t sleep? They literally live to eat and spend all their time chewing.

 To hear one tiny termite chewing is probably impossible. But thousands of them together? That can make quite a ruckus. Plus, termites can communicate through vibrations and noises. They’ll sometimes bang their heads against the walls or shake their bodies to communicate an alarm to their fellow colonials.

It’s easier to hear these noises at night when your home is quiet. You can try putting your ear up to a wall where you suspect termite activity. You might be surprised (and horrified) by what you hear!

5. Wall Damage

Spotting external damage caused by termites is like trying to bag flies, it ain’t easy. Most termite damage happens inside your walls, which is why a lot of infestations don’t get discovered until the homeowner opens up the walls during a remodeling project.

However, there are tiny signs of termites in the walls that you can watch for.

They burrow mostly through the wood, but they still need exit holes. These holes are minuscule, like a pinhole. Sometimes they can even make these holes without disturbing the paint on top.

However, if you notice that your paint or wallpaper is peeling, take a closer look. It could be moisture problems, but if you see these pinholes, you could actually have a termite problem.

Who Do You Call When Termites Are in Your House?

Once a termite colony establishes itself, it doesn’t take long for them to cause major damage. Thankfully, termites don’t travel far, so the damage is usually limited to a specific area in your house — until they start sending out swarmers.

If you spot swarmers, this generally means you have multiple colonies and you gotta get going like a house afire to take care of the problem. Neglecting the signs of termites could easily cost you several thousand dollars’ worth of structural damage to your home.

Here at Buckaroo Pest Protection, we specialize in keeping your home and family safe from threats like this. We use as few chemicals as possible because we don’t believe you should trade one threat for another.

For established colonies, we have the knowledge and equipment to find and destroy termites for good. And we have very effective methods to protect your home from future invasions.

Ready to get rid of your termite problem? Give us a holler, we’re always happy to help!