Termite Pest Control Inspection
Pests can be very troublesome when they invade your home, but none is more destructive than the termite.
Termites come in many types and are known to cause crippling amounts of damage as they literally eat you out of house and home. While these invaders can cause catastrophic amounts of damage, it can be difficult to spot a problem on your property.
Here are the top 15 things you should know about termites.
. There are three main types of termites living in the United States.
The US is populated by three main termite types: Subterranean, drywood and dampwood termites. Depending on what region you live on, these termites can infest your home.
The most common termite is the most destructive of the three: The Subterranean termite. They move up from the soil below your home.
Drywood termites tend to come from above in wooden structures. The least destructive of the three is the damp wood termite. These pests do not build nests in soil. Also, they mainly feed on decaying or wet wood.
2. Blistering or hollow wood are two main signs of termite infestation.
Termite damage can visible or audible. Termites can cause wood surfaces to blister, or they can leave wood hollow. The physical damage can very apparent and may look very similar to water damage.
Additionally, termite-infested wood will have a hollow sound. Termites will damage any wooden surface in on your home from cabinets and furniture to ceilings and floors. Also, pay attention to your outer structures like window panes, siding, and porches.
3. Evidence of swarms can indicate a termite problem.
A clear indicator of a termite problem is evidence of swarms. If you discover piles of discarded wings, it’s possible you may have an issue. Additional evidence includes finding black or brown dead termites. These swarms usually occur after rain or when the weather is cloudy.
4. Mud Tubes can indicate the presence of Termites.
Termites need to maintain moisture when they venture out to feed. They often create mud tubes on outer or inner walls and they are about the width of a drinking straw. If you spot these muddy structures, follow them; they connect termites to their food source.
Read: Look for these Five Qualities in Termite Control Services
5. Drywood termites leave droppings.
Drywood termites normally nest in hard, dry wood. When they consume wood, they leave droppings behind in mounds. These fecal pellets often resemble sawdust or coffee grounds. Additionally, termite-infested areas tend to have a mildew or mold scent.
6. Termites are in all states except Alaska.
Termites are mostly a hot-weather pest. They cannot stand cold temperatures. This doesn’t mean that your home is safe during the winter, however, as these pests venture indoors during the winter months.
7. Termites constantly feed.
Termites must constantly feed to keep their colony prospering. They eat 24/7 which can often result in billions of dollars of damage every year. It’s imperative to catch a termite problem immediately to avoid costly repairs.
8. Termites are social insects.
Social insects, termites live in colonies. If you spot one of these insects, odds are there are many more you haven’t seen. They live in well-organized colonies with a queen, workers, and warriors. These pests can consume more than 100 lbs of wood in one year.
9. Termites can fit in cracks as thin as 1/32 of an inch.
Termites do not need much space to slip into your home. They can fit through slits no thicker than a piece of paper. If you do not take care of your foundation or home’s exterior, termites can sneak in very easily.
10. Subterranean Termites are the most common in the US.
Subterranean termites are known to cause the most damage of all the termite species. They nest in the soil below homes and travel up. They can often find their way in through cracks, vents, and other open areas.
11. Formosan Termites are coastal termites.
Another type of subterranean termite, these creatures come up through the ground and can cause more damage. They are known for traveling through mud tubes and are attracted to places with high moisture.
12. Drywood termites do not nest in soil.
These pests nest in hard, clean wood. Any type of dry lumber they have access to makes a good home. They can infest any wooden structure inside or outside of your house.
13. Termites will keep coming back if you do not protect against them.
Treatment alone will not keep termites away permanently. While treatments could be effective for a short time, the only sure way to keep these bugs out is by properly fortifying your home. Block all entry points, inspect your house regularly, and you will avoid any future infestations.
14. Termites cause up to $5 billion in damage each year.
These very small, hard-to-spot pests can have a severe effect on your home. Since it’s difficult to detect a termite problem, they can end up causing much more damage. Each year, termites can cause up to $5 billion dollars in damage, and often, insurance won’t foot the bill.
15. Sometimes The Only Way To Find A Termite Problem Is By Scheduling An Inspection.
While swarms, hollow wood, and mud tubes are good indicators of an infestation, termites tend to remain hidden until the problem gets out of hand. Professional pest control specialists are knowledgeable about termite habits, living spaces, life cycles, and building methods. If you suspect you may have termites, the best way to be sure is to schedule an appointment.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact The Pest Rangers for an inspection to take control of your termite problem.
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