Earthwise is an experienced Magnolia pest control company. Use our local experts to keep some of the most common, and uncommon pests away from you and your family or business. We have years of experience dealing with, and eliminating all sorts of annoying unwanted pests in Magnolia, Tx. We’ll work with you and give you advice to keep your home pest free, using only quality, proven techniques to remove insects from around your property.
Magnolia Termite Control
In Texas alone, termites cause millions of dollars of damage to homes and offices all over the state.
The most common termites in Magnolia are the Eastern Subterranean termite. We have found both Formoson termites and Drywood termites in the area as well. However, the Eastern Subteranean termite is most prevalent. What is the best way to prevent this wood destroying insect from invading your home?
If you’re building a new home in Magnolia, make sure you have a termite treatment done. Your builder may or may not be required to provide a termite treatment, so don’t depend on them to take that initiative. When building a new home, you have several options with regard to termite treatments. The first option is having the soil treated before the concrete is poured. When utilizing this treatment option timing is very important. The pest control company and the builder will coordinate schedules having the soil treated just before the concrete foundation is poured. After the final grade is complete, the pest control company will return to treat the perimeter of the home. Another option offers more scheduling flexibility and might be a more efficient solution. This termite treatment option involves treating the wooden studs at the interior of the home when the home is in the dried-in stage. BoraCare is applied directly to the studs and all plumbing penetrations. This treatment option will give the homeowner maximum shelf life to help guard against termites.
If you’re buying a post construction home in Magnolia, you still have a couple of treatment options. However, before scheduling a treatment, make sure the home hasn’t been treated recently. Ask the seller if the home has been treated in the recent past. If your new foundation home has not been treated recently you may consider a post construction termite treatment. This is a very common procedure in which a small trench is established around the perimeter of the home. This small trench is then filled with termite chemistry and the earth returns to the foundation when the service is complete. This termite treatment will be the most common and commonly referred to as “trench and treat”. You want to make sure the pest control company is using a quality product like Termidor. There are many products on the shelf that can be legally used when treating termites. This does not necessarily mean that they are all quality products.
The second option for a post construction home is a baiting system. Small bait stations are placed in the ground about 10 to 15 feet apart. These bait stations are installed strategically in flower beds and near the perimeter of the home. Your pest control company will monitor these stations for active termites on a specified rotation throughout the year.
Preventing termites from attacking your Magnolia home
Inspect the foundation of your home about once a month. Termite shelter tubes (pictured) are very distinct. These “mud tubes” or “shelter tubes” are visually obvious when you’ve seen them a few times. About 50 percent of the termite work I do in the Magnolia area, the termite mud tubes are visible. However, many times the termites are entering the home from beneath the soil grade. The homeowner has found termite damage in the home accompanied by active termites. Many times the termites are found when we begin trenching around the perimeter of the home preparing for the treatment. So, a visual inspection of the foundation is not always 100 percent full proof.
Termites will be attracted to moisture as will most insects. Repair any leaky faucets at the exterior of your home. Keep any wood materials away from the foundation of the home. If you have a fireplace, store the wood away from the home at least 6 inches to one foot off of the ground. Always inspect all fire wood before bringing it into the home. Keeping wood and debris away from the home is a great way to deter a potential insect or rodent issue before it happens.
Take the necessary precautions before building a deck against the home. Make sure to run the 2 x 6 boards parallel with the home. Removing two or three of the boards will be necessary when treating this area for termites. If you are going to butt the deck against the home as most of us do, make sure to leave at least 1-2 inches of foundation visibility. If you cover the foundation with deck boards, your pest control operator will not be able to effectively inspect this area of the home for termites.
Termite swarm season in Magnolia is typically during the months of March and April. Swarming can occur before or after these particular months. Termites will swarm the city of Magnolia in great numbers during the day. These swarmers are called “reproductives” or “alates”. These termite swarmers will often be mistaken for flying ants and rightfully so. They do however have distinct differences in body type and wing pattern. The flying ant will have a “pinched waist” in the middle of its body. Flying termites (swarmers) will have an elongated body with no segments. Flying termite wings are about twice the size of its body. Termite swarmers will shed their wings on window sills, driveways, pools, deck and in areas where a swarming colony is located like a flowerbed for instance. Do not hit the panic switch if you see these insects at the exterior of your home.
Call a reputable pest control company that services the Magnolia area to make sure you have no issues with the home.
Magnolia Carpenter Ant Control
There is another type of wood destroying insect in Magnolia that plagues many homes are carpenter ants. This insect is very common and can be found at most Magnolia properties. Carpenter ants do not necessarily eat wood. Instead they chew or drill into the wood. Despite the fact that carpenter bees do not eat wood, they can still pose a real threat if left unattended.
Carpenter ants vary in size. The workers can be up to 1/2 inch. Carpenter ants are usually black, or reddish brown. They are very easy to distinguish from other ants due to their large bodies. In the United States we have over 20 different carpenter ants species. Many of these different species are very similar in physical characteristics.
Carpenter ants can be very difficult to get rid of. The right products and expertise go a long way when dealing with carpenter ants. Carpenter ants can be found nesting in wet or moist wood piles or structures. Moisture in the wooden door frames or windows could result in carpenter ant activity as well as various other insects. Replace all damaged wood caused by moisture resulting in decaying wood.
Carpenter ants have the main colony or primary colony and satellite colonies. These satellite colonies could be extensive throughout your property. Keeping the home free of moisture and decaying wood is vital. Carpenter ants can nest in dry wood, but prefer moist. If the wood in your home is compromised due to moisture, carpenter ant nesting can occur. Often you will see carpenter ants crawling on your home. This does not necessarily mean you have carpenter ants nesting in the home. They will forage around the property and will be seen on both the home and yard as well. Carpenter ants will hollow out the wood for nesting. Sawdust and or wood fragments is a sign of carpenter ant activity. These materials are ejected from their galleries. When these types of accumulations are found, carpenter ants can possibly be close by.
If carpenter ants are nesting outside, they will forage indoors seeking out moisture and or food. Most often carpenter ant colonies are difficult to find. With this in mind, a pest professional may be your best option. To reduce the potential for future activity, fix all leaks around the home. Any plumbing leaks or moisture issues will attract carpenter ants. Always stack firewood away from the home. Try not to store firewood in the garage. Firewood will serve as an ideal nesting area for carpenter ants. Always inspect the fire wood before bringing it into the home. Sealing all cracks and small areas of entry around wires and pipes that enter the home from the exterior is a good preventative measure. Correct all moisture issues caused by a leaky garden hose. Repair any gutters or downspouts around the home. Trim back all tree limbs or foliage against the roof or side of the home. This serves as the perfect conduit to the home. These preventative measures will go a long way with carpenter prevention and insects in general.
Magnolia Carpenter Bee Control
Another wood destroying insect I find often in Magnolia is the carpenter bee. While there are over 500 carpenter ant species, about five are found in the United States. These insects like other wood destroying insects can be a real problem. All carpenter bee work I do is consistent with regard to characteristics of the insect, damage, etc.
Carpenter bees are large black bees that resemble bumble bees. The female has the ability to sting but only when provoked. The carpenter bee will be very aggressive when they feel threatened. This will happen when you get close to their nesting area. They will fly very close and aggressively attempt to remove you from the area. During the course of a year, one generation is created. The carpenter ant will hibernate in the winter and the eggs are usually laid in the spring. Near the end of the summer the pupa is fully developed resulting in adult bees.
Carpenter bees bore holes into the wood to nest. These tunnels also house the offspring. Carpenter bees do not consume the wood, but will cause damage to the wood by boring round holes directly into the wood. Carpenter bees tend to gravitate to natural wood or unpainted bare wood. They like softer woods such as cedar, redwood and pine. I have done many carpenter bee projects throughout the Magnolia area. They are very consistent as to where they decide to bore into your home.
First you want to keep an eye out for sawdust. If you see a small pile of sawdust, inspect the area above. Finding their bore holes is sometimes difficult. For instance, if you find sawdust on your front porch, the carpenter bees could be boring holes on the underside of your handrail. A casual inspection will not always reveal the damage. Other areas carpenter bees like to drill is facia boards, eaves, and wooden patio furniture.
If you have a pavilion you are likely to have carpenter bee activity. Stay aware of the telltale signs which will be sawdust accumulation and the insect hovering in a specific area. If the pavilion is a natural wood finish, it will increase the odds of a carpenter bee infestation. Moisture is always a problem. If the pavilion is subject to moisture or mold, it will increase the chances of a carpenter bee problem.
Your choice of wood products is important. If you have the option, try to stick with Oak or perhaps Douglas Fir for building projects like a pavilion or outdoor furniture. Not everyone is going to experience the same level of damage. If you’re a do it yourselfer, there are a few tricks to ridding yourself of these pests. If you have discovered the carpenter bee drill holes, you can spray a little WD40 into the holes. When the bee exits the hole, plug the hole with a wood caulk or a wooden dowel. Many times these holes are out of reach. Make sure you have someone assisting you while on a ladder working. Remember, this is not a one time for all time fix. You will need to monitor the area each year making sure the area is carpenter ant free. If this is a job you do not feel like tackling, call us and I will take care of it for you.
Magnolia Mosquito Control
The natural climate of Magnolia is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. They are a community-wide problem, and are present 75% of the year in Magnolia. These annoying pests carry disease and can ruin a beautiful summer day. Prevention is your best bet to keep the bites away.
Preventing Mosquitoes in Magnolia Texas
Standing water is where mosquitoes breed and thrive. After it rains look for standing water around your yard. Even a little water standing in a divot or small planter pot can cause big problems. Removing all standing water as soon as possible cuts off the breeding sources for mosquitoes and prevents them from further spreading.
Aside from standing water, mosquitoes are drawn to carbon dioxide. Again, removing standing water keeps carbon dioxide away. They’re also drawn to salt and potassium that emits from our bodies. At your summer picnic avoid especially salty foods, or foods high in potassium like avocados and bananas.
Earthwise is Magnolia's Independent Pest Control Company
Have a problem with any insect in your home? Trust the local experts. Earthwise knows our area, climate, and where to look for nasty bugs. We’ll eliminate pests so you and your family can enjoy all your home has to offer. Contact us today to get rid of the pests at your Magnolia home.