Mexico, Missouri, is known for its beautiful, historic brick homes. While these old houses look tough, they still face a big hidden danger. Many people think termites can not hurt a brick home, but that is not true.
Termites do not eat brick, but they are experts at finding the wood hidden inside your walls. They crawl through tiny cracks in aging foundations and old mortar to reach the wooden beams that hold your house up.
In our damp Missouri weather, these pests can ruin your home’s strength without you ever knowing. To keep your property safe, you need a professional plan.
To ensure your home remains solid, it is essential to consult with a top pest control company that understands local termite behavior.
Why Termites Target Our Local Brick Houses
Many people think termites eat brick, but that is a mistake. Termites are actually looking for the wood hidden inside your walls. Even solid brick homes in Mexico, Missouri, have wooden frames that hold them up.
As houses get older, tiny cracks form in the brick and mortar. A termite only needs a gap as thin as a credit card to squeeze through.
Once they get past the brick, they eat the wood for years without being seen. Since our Missouri soil is wet and rich, it is the perfect place for these pests to live and grow.
Identifying the Warning Signs in Audrain County Homes
Termites eat wood from the inside out, so they are hard to spot. In Mexico, Missouri, homeowners often miss the early warning signs until it is too late.
To stay safe, look for mud tubes. These look like tiny dirt tunnels running up your foundation or basement walls. Termites use them as private hallways to move around.
Also, watch for frass, which looks like small piles of sawdust. In the springtime, you might see swarms of bugs with wings or find piles of wings left on windowsills. Many people think these are just flying ants, but they are actually a big sign that a termite colony is moving in.
Modern Treatment Options for Historic Masonry
Treating a brick home in Mexico requires a special approach. Traditional sprays on the surface rarely work because the termites stay behind the brick. One common method is a liquid soil treatment around the foundation.
This creates a barrier that termites cannot cross. For older homes with very thick walls, professionals use “trenching.” This ensures the treatment reaches deep into the ground.
Another popular local choice is the use of baiting systems. These stations are placed around your yard. The termites find the bait and share it with the rest of the colony.
Eventually, the entire population is eliminated. This is a great, less invasive solution for homes with historic landscaping.
Long-Term Prevention for Mexico Homeowners
Maintenance is your best defense. It is much cheaper than major repairs. You should regularly check your crawlspaces for soft wood. If a beam sounds hollow when you tap it, you may have a problem.
If you are renovating an old brick property, use pressure-treated wood. Keeping your mortar in good repair through tuck-pointing also helps. This seals off the entry points.
Our community takes pride in preserving our historic districts. Keeping these pests away is a big part of that job. Stay proactive to keep your home standing strong for the next generation.
If you are concerned about the safety of your home, Reliable Pest Solutions, which has now joined forces with Pointe Commercial Services, offers expert local knowledge.
Their team understands the specific challenges of Missouri pests and provides thorough inspections. They remain dedicated to serving the Mexico community with professional termite management plans.
