Termites are one of the most destructive pests in the world. Each year, they cause billions of dollars in damage to homes and businesses. Termites are responsible for more damage to structures than fires, floods, and hurricanes combined.
There are more than 2,000 species of termites, but only a handful are considered pests. The most common type of termite in the United States is the subterranean termite. These insects live in colonies underground and build mud tubes to travel to their food source – wood.
Here is a guide about termites in general:
What Is A Termite?
Termites are often referred to as “silent destroyers” because they can cause extensive damage to a structure without being detected. Termites are small, winged insects that live in colonies underground. These colonies can number in the millions and can cause extensive damage to homes and other structures made of wood.
Termites are attracted to wood because it contains cellulose, which is their main food source. They use their powerful jaws to tunnel through wood and create galleries where they live and eat. Over time, this can weaken the structure of a building and make it unsafe.
Types Of Termites
There are three main types of termites: subterranean, dry wood, and damp wood.
Subterranean termites are by far the most common type in the United States. These termites build their nests underground and then travel up into homes and other structures through mud tunnels. Subterranean termites are particularly difficult to control because they can be spread easily from one location to another.
Drywood termites are found throughout the southeastern United States. They get their name from the fact that they do not need contact with soil moisture to survive. Drywood termites live in small, self-contained colonies within pieces of wood. They excavate tunnels through the wood, which they then use to travel from one piece of wood to another. Drywood termites live in wood that is not touching the ground, such as beams or attic rafters. They often go unnoticed until they have caused significant damage.
Dampwood termites live in wood that is moist or rotting. They are less common than the other two types but can cause just as much damage. Drywood termites are much smaller than dampwood termites and are found in arid regions like the southwestern United States. As their name implies, they prefer dry wood and do not need a source of water to survive.
If you think you might have a termite problem, the first thing you should do is contact a professional pest control company. They will be able to inspect your property and determine if you indeed have an infestation. If you do have termites, the pest control company will develop a treatment plan to get rid of them.
How Do You Know If You Have Termites?
There are several signs that you may have termites on your property, including:
Discarded wings near entry points:
Termites shed their wings after they mate. If you find discarded wings near doorways or windows, it’s a good indication that these pests are present.
Mud tubes:
Termites build mud tubes to travel from their nests to their food source. These tubes are about the width of a pencil and are typically found on the foundation or exterior walls of a home.
Swarms:
Some species of termites will swarm in late spring or early summer. This is when the reproductive termites leave the nest to mate and start new colonies. If you see a swarm of insects near your home, it’s a good idea to call in a professional to check for termites.
Wood damage:
One of the most obvious signs of termites is wood damage. These pests will leave small holes in the wood as they eat their way through it. Over time, this damage can become extensive, causing structural problems with your home.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to call in a professional pest control company as soon as possible to have your home inspected for termites.
Methods Of Termite Control
There are several different methods of termite control, but the most common is baiting. With baiting, termites are lured into eating a bait that contains a slow-acting poison. The bait is placed in stations around your property, and the termites take it back to their nest, where it kills the entire colony.
Another popular method of termite control is spraying pesticides around the outside of your home or business. This creates a barrier that prevents termites from getting inside. However, it’s important to note that pesticides can be harmful to humans and animals if not used properly, so it’s always best to leave this job to the professionals.
If you have a termite problem, don’t wait to get it taken care of. The longer you wait, the more damage they can do. Contact a professional pest control company today to get started on getting rid of your termite problem for good.