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 your Northeastern or Southeastern PW house.
While these invaders can cause catastrophic amounts of damage, they can be surprisingly difficult to spot. Therefore, understanding the signs of a termite infestation and their behavior will help you avoid a destructive termite infestation and save you money.
To learn more about termites, here are fifteen important facts about termites in Northeast PA and the US.
15 Important Facts About Termites
1. 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. The most common termites in Northeast PA and the most destructive are the subterranean termites. These termites tend to dwell beneath the soil of your home and then make their way up when the right conditions are present (i.e., there is wet softwood available).
Drywood termites are less common in the area and tend to come from above in wooden structures. Dampwood termites are even less common and only tend to feed on wet or decaying wood that has already lost much of its integrity.
2. Blistering or hollow wood are two main signs of termite infestation.
Termite damage can either be visible or audible. Termites can cause wood surfaces to blister, or they can leave wood hollow. The physical damage can be very apparent and may look very similar to water damage.
Additionally, termite-infested wood will have a hollow sound. Termites can damage any wooden surface in 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.
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 present in all states except Alaska.
Termites are mostly hot-weather pests that cannot stand cold temperatures. However, this doesn’t mean that your home is safe during the winter, 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, often resulting 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.
Termites live in well-organized colonies with a queen, workers, and warriors. These pests can consume more than 100 lbs of wood in one year. Therefore, if you spot one of these insects, odds are there are many more you haven’t seen.
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. Additionally, we offer Sentricon termite systems designed to thwart any termites that do make their way onto your property.
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 in damage; 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.
While you should definitely keep an eye out for any signs of termite damage in and around your home, a formal inspection by a pest control professional is always best. An experienced pest control expert will have the tools and knowledge to be able to properly identify the severity of an infestation, as well as come up with a unique plan of action to get rid of the termites for good.
In turn, regular termite inspections can:
- Save you money.
- Keep your home safe.
- Keep your wooden furniture safe.
Signs of Termite Damage
There are several undeniable signs of termite damage, but they can be easily overlooked if you don’t know what to look for. While we’ve discussed some already, some telltale signs of a termite infestation in the home include:
- Hollow-sounding wood when tapped
- Buckling or sagging floors
- Mud tubes or tunnels on walls or foundation
- Discarded wings near windows or light sources
- Small holes in wood surfaces
- Cracked or bubbling paint on wood surfaces
- Pin-sized holes in drywall
- Accumulation of sawdust-like frass
- Uneven or bubbling paint on walls
- Difficult to open or close windows or doors
- Termite droppings (small pellets)
- Sagging or weakened wooden structures
- Blistered or distorted areas on wooden surfaces
- Hollowed-out wooden beams or furniture
In each termite colony, insects known as “swarmers” leave the colony to mate and produce their own colonies. These swarmers can be identified by their six legs and straight antennae, as well as their wings. Swarmers often appear in various colors, ranging from black and dark brown to beige or tan and even red.
Identifying swarmers early is key in stopping termite colonies, as termites outside your house can spread colonies across your property.
However, these signs may not be as obvious as you think and can often be attributed to water damage, foundation damage, or other natural events. So, when it comes time to inspect for termites, you need to have the right tools and knowledge at your disposal to pinpoint the source of an infestation.
DIY Termite Prevention Tips
There is no greater form of prevention than inspection, but there are several DIY approaches you can take to prevent termites, including:
- Install termite barriers
- Prevent wood from contacting soil
- Seal cracks
- Keep homes and yards clean
- Fix leaks
With that said, don’t wait until it’s too late. Now that you know the signs of behavior of termites, you can act quickly. Contact The Pest Rangers for an inspection to take control of your termite problem.
FAQs
Why are termites a problem?
Termites can cause extensive damage to homes and buildings by feeding on wooden structures, leading to costly repairs and structural issues if left untreated.
How long do termites live?
The lifespan of a termite depends on its role within the colony. Worker termites live approximately 1 to 2 years, while queens can live for decades under optimal conditions.
Can termites be controlled naturally?
Some natural methods to control termites include using nematodes (parasitic worms that feed on termites), applying orange oil, or using boric acid. However, effectiveness can vary, and professional treatment is often recommended for severe infestations.