When it comes to household pests, wood-eating insects are some of the most dreadful. Not only is dealing with any kind of pest an unpleasant experience, but wood-eating pests, in particular, are notorious for being destructive and can cost homeowners a ton of money in repairs and extermination fees.
However, before you rush to grab the termite spray, you must first identify what type of pest you are dealing with. With over four types of common wood-destroying insects in Pennsylvania, understanding what you’re up against will help you get rid of them faster.
If you suspect you’re dealing with a wood-eating insect infestation in your home but aren’t quite sure which specific insect it is, here is a helpful guide!
The Danger of Wood-Eating Insects
Wood-eating insects are so dangerous due to their damage to homes and wood. Each year, these insects cause billions of dollars in damage to homes and buildings across the United States. Not only are these repairs costly and dangerous, but homeowners must also invest in pest control and maintenance to ensure these pests don’t return.
In extreme cases, a termite infestation or other wood-destroying insect invasion could render your home unsafe to dwell in.
Previous wood insect damage could also impact your resale value and increase insurance rates.
For the sake of your home and your wallet, it’s important to eliminate wood-destroying insects as soon as you spot them.
4 Common Wood-Eating Insects in Pennsylvania
Before you can eliminate wood-destroying insects from your home, you need to know which ones you are up against. Here are four common wood-destroying insects in Pennsylvania.
1. Termites
When it comes to wood-eating insects, the first ones that come to mind for many homeowners are termites. There are two main types of termites in NEPA: subterranean and drywood. Subterranean termites are more common in the Northeast and live primarily underground. Drywood termites are less common and live above ground. However, both types of termites are incredibly destructive and can cause a huge headache for homeowners who run into them.
In particular, subterranean termites are known to damage wood inside homes and are considered more destructive. You must act quickly if you spot the early signs of a subterranean termite infestation.
Signs You Have Termites
There are several signs to look out for when trying to determine if you are dealing with a termite infestation. These include:
- Mud tubes
- Discarded insect wings
- Frass
- Termite swarmers
- Wood damage
- Cracked or bubbling paint
Our home protection plans feature Sentricon systems to prevent and eliminate any termites that venture onto your property.
2. Carpenter Ants
While ants are not typically the first insect that comes to mind when you think about household pests, carpenter ants are among some of the most destructive. Carpenter ants are large black ants that excavate wood to create tunnels and create their nests inside. If unchecked, they can be nearly as destructive to your home as termites.
Signs You Have Carpenter Ants
The signs of a carpenter ant infestation include:
- Seeing live ants
- Sawdust piles
- Frass
- Hollow-sounding wood
- Rustling noises
- Discarded insect wings
You can get rid of carpenter ants using special ant baits and traps or by sprinkling diatomaceous earth on places where they dwell.
3. Wood-Boring Beetles
Wood-boring beetles are another type of wood-eating insect that can cause a lot of structural damage to a home. There are many different types of wood-boring beetles, including deathwatch beetles, powderpost beetles, and ambrosia beetles.
Signs You Have Wood-Boring Beetles
When it comes to determining if you have wood-boring beetles on your property, some signs to look for include:
- Holes and tunnels in wood
- Frass
- Seeing live beetles
- Unexplained stains on wood
- Clicking sounds
Special borate-based insecticides may need to be applied to eliminate these pests.
4. Carpenter Bees
While carpenter bees are not known to be particularly aggressive, they can cause a lot of structural damage to a home if not treated promptly. Carpenter bees can be identified by their large, black bodies and shiny appearance.
Signs You Have Carpenter Bees
Some telltale signs of a carpenter bee infestation include:
- Holes and tunnels in wood
- Buzzing sounds from within walls
- Stains on wood
- Seeing live carpenter bees
Many organic sprays may be effective against carpenter bees. If you are worried about harming other insects, then talk to a pest control specialist.
Tips to Eliminate Wood-Destroying Insects
Getting rid of wood-destroying insects can be challenging, but it is not impossible with the help of an experienced pest control specialist. If you suspect you may be dealing with a wood-eating insect infestation, it is imperative that you contact an exterminator immediately.
In addition to seeking professional help, there are a few things you can do to prevent these insects from returning to your home:
- Seal any cracks or crevices in your home
- Use treated wood when adding onto your home
- Reduce excess moisture
- Perform regular inspections and know the signs to look for
When to Call an Exterminator
You should always call an exterminator at the first sign of a pest infestation of any kind. Even if you suspect you may be dealing with some kind of infestation, it is better to be safe than sorry. Contacting a pest control professional immediately will ensure that the problem is dealt with promptly so you can return to enjoying your peace of mind in your own home.
FAQs
How do wood-eating insects damage structures over time?
Many ways wood-eating insects can damage your home over time, with the most common being eating through the wood in your home. These insects can slowly eat away things like decks, porches, and other structures, and you may not even notice the damage that has been done until it’s too late.
Are there specific regions or climates where wood-eating insects are more prevalent?
While it is possible to deal with wood-eating insects in most parts of the country, there are certain regions and climates where specific insects tend to be more active. For example, termites tend to prefer warmer clients, whereas wood-boring beetles usually prefer to stick to damp or coastal areas.