Termites: How Do I Know if I've Got Them?
Welcome back pesties! In today’s post, we will be talking about every homeowner's nightmare. Termites!
Termites are a multi-billion dollar industry. In the US alone, an estimated $30 billion is spent each year by homeowners to treat and repair the damages caused by termites. A termite treatment alone can cost over $1200, not including damage repair.
On average, there are 4 to 5 colonies within 1 acre of land. Each colony can have up to a million termites. That means it’s not IF you get termites, but WHEN.
A colony of 60,000 can consume 1 foot of a 2” x 4” in about five months. Obviously, in the grand scheme of your home, that could mean it will take years for unrepairable damage to occur. In our area, termites are active all year, but the typical termite swarming season starts at the first sign of weather breaking.
As a homeowner, you may be overwhelmed with questions like "What are termites?", "What are the signs of termites?" or "What can I do to prevent termites?". Well, you're in the right place. With a little friendly advice and a lot of knowledge, we can help you protect your home when you need it the most.
What Are Termites?
Termites are tiny, social insects often found in colonies that thrive on eating wood and plant materials. While their size may be deceiving, their impact can be significant. Termites can cause a huge amount of damage to structures. Despite their small size, termites are a crucial part of our ecosystem. They aid in decomposing dead plant matter, contributing to nutrient recycling in the environment.
In human contexts, however, they are more commonly recognized as pests because they destroy wooden and cellulose material when they feed. There are about 45 different species of termites in the United States, but in our area, we are on the lookout for subterranean termites.
Subterranean termites are known for living and nesting underground. These highly organized insects create huge colonies far and wide with intricate tunnel systems, allowing them to access their primary food source: wood. Unlike other termite species, subterranean termites rely on a mix of cellulose from decaying plant matter and soil for sustenance.
Termites are notorious for their destructive impact on buildings and structures. Their underground lifestyle enables them to approach and damage wooden elements without being seen. Effective control measures are essential to keep your biggest asset protected. A proactive approach is the best approach, but don’t worry if that’s not your style. We can also treat active infestations to stop termites in their tracks.
What Are The Signs of Termites?
Do you know the signs of termites? Have you seen unusual wood damage around your property? Check out our list of signs of termites to help you decide when and if to call an expert.
1. Finding Wings Around Windows or Flower Beds
During termite swarming season, mature termites will emerge with wings to take a mating flight. Once mated, the wings will be shed, and the termite will find a suitable nesting site to start a new colony. If you see a pile of translucent discarded wings, it's time to call in the pest professionals.
2. Hollow Sounding Wood
One way to find hidden termite damage is by tapping a piece of wood with a hammer or the handle of a screwdriver. If it sounds hollow, it's time for a professional termite inspection. This can mean termites have tunneled in places you can't see. If your wood sounds hollow, but you're still not 100% sure if you might be dealing with termites, flip the screwdriver around and poke the area. If you can push into the wood easily, it's time to get a pest pro on the horn.
3. Mud Tubes
Subterranean termites use mud tubes to travel and find food. These tubes provide protection and a moist roadway for workers on the hunt for their next supper. If your home is on a crawlspace, these tubes may be stuck to the foundation blocks or in garages. If you're on a slab, bathrooms and kitchens are a hot spot. Think about the areas of your home that are humid and damp. Like a lot of pests, termites thrive under these conditions.
What Can I Do To Prevent An Infestation?
Aside from a proactive termite treatment, there are a few simple things you can do to deter a termite infestation.
Take a look around the structure of your home. Do you have any piles of wood or dead trees or bushes just hanging out? If so, get rid of it. Since termites survive off cellulose material, these piles are the perfect start for a new colony. Another inviting factor is moisture. When was the last time your crawlspace was looked at? If it has been more than a year, you definitely want to think about calling your pest pro for an in depth inspection. When the moisture levels rise in your crawlspace, the support beams can swell and soften, making them an easy target for termites.
Our Final Thoughts
This is just a quick guide you can follow if you think termites might be a problem at your home. Termite treatments are not a do-it-yourself kind of thing. Between the inspection and treatment options, a professional touch is essential. You need a name you can trust when you are trying to protect your home. Not all companies are created equal, and as the old saying goes, you get what you pay for. Gathering multiple quotes and second opinions is good practice to ensure you are doing everything you can to keep the structural integrity of your home intact for years to come.
If you are ever in doubt, give us a shout. As your pest control provider, we stay committed to the health of your home. That includes the soil underneath your structure. Our knowledge of pests extends beyond the creepy crawlies that make their way inside.
