Termite Control in Enid, Oklahoma
Termites around Enid are subterranean termites. They live in the soil and come up into a house through the foundation, building narrow mud tubes to stay moist as they travel. You usually don't know they're there until something gives them away.
Most people find out in the spring. OSU Extension says March, April and May are the months subterranean termite swarms happen in Oklahoma, with less regular swarms in September or October. One day there's a pile of small dark winged insects on a windowsill, or a scatter of wings on the floor.
Swarmers Inside the House
OSU's advice is plain about this. Termites flying outside are normal and mostly tell you there's a colony in the yard. Swarmers coming out inside the house, unless they blew in an open door or window, almost always mean an infestation in the structure.
Swarmers look a lot like flying ants. The termite or flying ant guide shows how to tell them apart by the waist, the antennae and the wings. Save a few in a zip bag for the inspector.
Other Signs to Look For
Walk the outside of the house and look low:
- Pencil-wide mud tubes running up the foundation or a pier
- Wood that sounds hollow when you tap it
- Bubbled or wavy paint on trim near the floor
- Loose wings on windowsills or in spider webs
- Damaged wood in the crawl space, basement or garage sill
Bugs in the house? Mice in the shop? (580) 555-0110
Treatment Is a Licensed Job
OSU notes that the termiticides and bait systems used for termite work are sold mainly to licensed pest control companies, not the public. A provider will inspect the house, then talk with you about a liquid soil treatment, a bait system, or both, and what follow-up looks like.
Older homes in Kenwood and Waverley, built a century or more ago, tend to have more places to check than a newer house. Either way, the price depends on the size of the house and the treatment, and the provider quotes it after the inspection.
Questions We Get
Should I spray the swarmers?
Vacuum up the ones inside. Spraying them won't touch the colony in the soil. Save a few for the inspector.
What can I do to make my house less inviting?
OSU suggests raking mulch at least six inches back from the walls, keeping firewood off the ground and away from the house, and fixing drainage so water runs away from the foundation.
Serving Downtown Enid, Kenwood, Waverley, North Enid, South Enid and Vance AFB Area, Waukomis, Kremlin, Carrier, Lahoma, Drummond, Hillsdale, Hennessey.