There are several things you should know about termites if you own a home in Oklahoma: how to spot an infestation, when to expect swarms, and what to do if your home is infested with them.

Nobody wants to deal with termites, but it's an unfortunate necessity for Oklahoma homeowners. If you don't notice the warning signs, a termite infestation can cost you thousands of dollars in property damage.

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How to tell if you have a termite infestation

Termites do so much harm because they can be easy to miss. Termite infestations might go undiscovered for months before you realize anything is wrong with your home.

To avoid significant damage to your home, be aware of the classic signs of a termite infestation. Keep a watch out for the termite warning signals listed below:

Water damage on walls: Walls and wallpaper may appear to have water damage, even though there are no actual issues with your water.

Discarded wings: Finding their abandoned wings indoors, especially near windows, indicates a serious termite problem.

Hollow-sounding walls: Termites have hollowed out the timber in termite-damaged walls, making them sound hollow when tapped or knocked.

Unusual noises: There’s a chance you might hear clicking and shuffling noises from your walls if you have a severe infestation.

Termite droppings, swollen doors or window frames, and small round holes in drywall are also key signs of a termite infestation.

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Are termites a problem in Oklahoma?

Yes, most Oklahoma houses are vulnerable to termite swarms; they fall into the moderate to heavy category on the US Forest Service's

Termite Infestation Probability Zones

map.

Understanding how to deal with termites is an essential but unpleasant element of being a sensible homeowner in Oklahoma. Though there is just one main species to be concerned about, there is a chance that other varieties can infiltrate your home as well.

Subterranean termites

This termite species lives in colonies underground or aboveground in wet, quiet areas. They build mud tubes to gain access to food and to protect themselves from the environment.

From March through May, the eastern subterranean termite swarms during the day, while the arid-land subterranean termite is found in the spring and fall.

From March to June, and rarely in the fall, the black southeastern subterranean termite will swarm in the daytime.

Drywood termites

Although drywood termites do not naturally swarm in Oklahoma, they can migrate through wooden items (such as furniture) to establish colonies in the state.

If drywood termites do make their way into your home, you can expect to see them during the fall. A professional termite inspector can help pinpoint species that are not native to the state.

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What to do if you have termites

Termites can be eliminated in numerous ways if you do end up detecting a problem.

Here are three of the most effective professional choices:

Bait stations: In terms of traditional termite extermination, this is the less invasive method. Termites will be drawn to and killed by the small plastic containers placed by an exterminator. It takes months to see results, but the disruption is minimal.

Liquid pesticide barrier: You can dig a trench around your property and build a moat of chemical termiticide to fight subterranean termites.

Fumigation: This treatment is necessary for the most severe infestations. Insecticides are pumped into a tent around the home to kill all termites. All members of your household, including pets, must vacate the property for at least 24 hours.

How to save money on homeowners insurance

Termite damage is not covered by most

homeowners insurance

policies. The best defense against an infestation is to be aware of the warning signs and symptoms.

Most other dangers, luckily, are covered by your homeowner's insurance. Finding the right insurance to suit your needs has never been easier than it is now, thanks to the

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A licensed broker that offers end-to-end support, the Jerry app gathers affordable quotes, helps you switch plans, and helps to cancel your old policy. Even better—Jerry will help you bundle your home and auto policies for maximum savings.

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FAQs

Do most homes in Oklahoma have termites?

If you reside in Oklahoma, you will almost certainly experience a termite swarm at some point in your life. Because infestations might go unnoticed for years, the situation can also worsen over time.

How often should you treat for termites in Oklahoma?

The length of time between treatments is determined by the type of treatment being administered. Liquid treatments can last years before they need to be re-treated, whereas bait stations need to be inspected every few months.

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