Termites

You could know absolutely nothing about insects, like most homeowners, but you likely know that you do not want a run-in with termites. Most homeowners already know that termites are one insect to be feared. The biggest reason for this is because they think termites destroy wooden structures. Indeed, these flying nuisances do destroy wooden structures, but it is not the actual wood they are after. It’s the cellulose in that wood. This is just one of the many misconceptions that surround the termite today and where homeowners are going wrong.

If you want to effectively attack and eliminate a termite infestation, you must be aware of the proper facts surrounding these critters and their habitat. That’s exactly what we are here to help with.

Swarmers Play An Imperative Role

Along with knowing that termites can be destructive, most people know that there is a queen termite. Well, the queen is not the only member. Termite colonies can be broken down into what are known as caste systems. This is simply the hierarchy of the colony, depicting specific roles for specific members. Although every member plays an important role, it will be the swarmers that homeowners need to watch out for. Most people don’t know that there are winged reproductive members of a termite colony. These are young male and female members that in the springtime, after the last freeze, emerge from their nest and mate while also searching for a new location for a colony.

Unfortunately, one of these locations for a new colony could include your home. The swarmers will look similar to flying ants and are oftentimes located near windows and doors. You might also even see discarded wings near windowsill and doors. This will be your first outlying indication of a termite problem in or around the home.

The Termite Colony

Every termite colony is initiated by a queen and king. When queen is the primary reproductive member, laying around 30,000 eggs each day. The king mates with the queen to ensure the colony continues to expand and flourish.

Worker termites spend their time erecting tunnels and nests for the young

Learning The Early Warning Signs

Speaking of outlying indications of termites, you’ll always want to be on top of your game. Detecting and eliminating a termite infestation during the early stages could save you thousands of dollars in repair costs and a whole headache of potential problems. Whatever the situation, the only way to do this is by learning to detect these flying pests as early as possible. Here’s what you’ll want to look for:

Discarded wings around the windowsills or doors and swarmers themselves.

There are typically four different types of mud tubes that Subterranean termites build, but anyone located on your wooden structures is going to be a sign of an infestation. Although wasps also build mud tubes, it will be the termites that meander up walls from the ground and branch out. These structures are usually built when the termites are looking for wood, as these structures protect them from outside threats and predators.

If you detect mud tubes or suspect an infestation, you want to give that wood a little tap. If the response is hollow, there is a good chance that the wood structure has been hollowed out by termites.

Wooden structures can darken and blister when invaded. If you see this response in the home, you probably have an infestation on your hands.

Paint will oftentimes bubble or crack when termites bore into the wood it is covering. Keep an eye out for this,

Since termite bore into wood, it’s possible you’ll see the evidence in the form of sawdust or woodpiles.

Best Ways To Tackle A Potential Problem

As a professional pest management firm, we’ll tell you right now that you want to get us on the phone at the first thought of an infestation. This being said, there are things you can do to prevent infestations. In fact, this is something we highly recommend, as it’ll only save you a whole lot of money and trouble. Here are some things you can try:

Make sure your moisture levels are always in check. Eliminate or reduce excessive moisture in areas where it should not be. Termites thrive on this substance.

Cracks and holes in the outside structures of the home will need to be sealed along with utility and pipe openings. These are all potential entry points for the termite.

Any leaking pipes or soffits will need to be repaired immediately. All AC units will need to be drained properly away from the property.

Replace loose, damaged, or worn weather stripping as well as loose mortar around basement foundations and windows.

Be diligent about keeping an eye on your foundation. Be on the constant lookout for mud tubes, cracked or bubbling paint, and hollowed wood.

All firewood should be stored at least 20 feet away from the home and 5 inches off the ground.

18 inches of clearance should always be maintained between soil and any wooden portions of the home.

Contact Our Offices

Termites are, by no means, an insect you want to play around with. They are something that should be considered armed and dangerous. Given the right amount of time and resources, they can do immense amounts of damage to the home or property. Detection, elimination, or prevention. Whatever you need help with, we are here for you. All you must do is reach out to our local office and we’ll dispatch someone out to the property immediately.

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