Termites

As a homeowner, you cannot ignore the potential risk associated with termites. Doing so will lead to big problems in the long run. Termites are risky because they can destroy your most valuable assets, including your home. Remember that termites are social creatures so they tend to live in large groups. They’re constantly working together to ensure that the colony has enough food and water to survive. In addition to this, they work together to build tunnels. Termites feed on cellulose which can be found in plants, paper, lumber, and other products.

When a termite colony outgrows its current nest, it will begin building termite mounds. It does this to spread out and ensure there is enough space. Termites can burrow into the wood in your home and create nests inside. They also use mud tubes to reach nearby wood materials. Although there are other termite species in the United States, the most problematic is the Subterranean termite. It is estimated that this termite causes nearly $2 billion in damage to American buildings every year.

Termite Colony Structure

One thing to note is that termites live in a structured environment. Each colony has specific members and they have unique responsibilities. More about this will be provided below.

Queens

Queen termites are large, so they need assistance moving around. They have to receive help from hundreds of worker termites. They’ll push her around the tunnels as needed. At a little under 4-inches in length, the queen termite is the biggest member of the group. During her 10-year lifespan, she can produce as many as 30,000 eggs.

Kings

King termites are vital because they help queens reproduce and expand the colony. Without the king, the colony would not be able to survive during the initial formation.

Workers

The colony would never survive without worker termites. These termites are responsible for doing most of the work in the colony. For instance, they’re going to work diligently to build tunnels, feed other members, search for food, and more. They grow roughly 10mm in length and work around the clock.

Soldiers

Soldier termites are important as well. They have white bodies without wings. In addition to this, they have longer heads than other members of the colony. With their powerful jaws, they can defend the colony from ants and other invaders.

Swarmers

Finally, you have swarmer termites. These termites are helpful for spreading the colony. They have wings allowing them to leave the colony and build nests elsewhere. A colony will have many swarmers, but only one king and one queen.

Types Of Termites In Your Area

Although you may have to worry about other termites, you should worry most about Subterranean termites. They’re found across the United States.

About

Subterranean termites are problematic for homeowners, renters, and business owners. They can turn your life upside down and destroy your property. Again, termites live in structured groups. Workers and soldiers have the same body structure and shape. However, soldier termites have longer heads. As for swarmer termites, they can grow up to half an inch in length.

Activities

You’ll want to learn more about the common activities of Subterranean termites. These termites build tunnels and live underground. When they need to access food sources safely, they’re going to build and use mud tubes. Doing so allows them to stay protected while searching for food. These termites consume cellulose which can be found in plants, lumber, and other materials. Swarmers are produced in spring so the colony can spread to new locations.

Worries

People cannot ignore the potential risks involved with Subterranean termites. They’re destructive so they can severely damage your home. They have powerful jaws that allow them to chew through wood slowly. However, a large infestation can quickly destroy a residential or commercial structure.

Flying Ants And Flying Termites

Flying ants and flying termites are often mistaken for one another, but there are a few notable differences between the two. For instance, termites have thicker bodies and straight antennas. As for flying ants, their waist is pinched around the middle and their antennas are elbowed.

Facts

• Termites eat work around the clock. They never stop and will continue destroying your home 24 hours each day.
• A termite colony will stay on your property for many, many years. They can survive for as long as 70 years if you don’t act.
• Termites can be helpful in nature because they break down deadwood.
• A common termite colony in the United States will house as many as half a million termites.
• To survive, Subterranean termites need access to water. Otherwise, they’re going to become dehydrated and die.
• When living above ground, these pests build and use tunnels or tubs. They have to be moist to ensure that the termite survives.
• Termites have to worry about ants because they constantly attack workers and colonies.
• Working with a professional is a good way to wipe out a termite infestation.
• Around the world, there are more than 2,000 termite species.
• In the United States, you can encounter as many as 40 termite species.
• Subterranean termites cannot be found in Alaska, but they’re in every other state.
• Termites are not able to chew through concrete.
• Worker termites need to eat and digest cellulose before feeding it to other members of the colony.
• Queen termites have an average lifespan of over 20 years, and they lay thousands of eggs in 24 hours.

Dangers

Consumers have to worry about termites. However, you’ll find that termites are not physically dangerous. You can rest assured knowing that they’re not going to bite, attack, or transmit diseases. Still, termites can be a threat to humans. They can rapidly destroy a structure and make it uninhabitable. With that being said, you need to act before your home’s structure is severely damaged.

Eradicating The Infestation

It is pertinent to eradicate the infestation as quickly as possible. One of the best ways to do that is by teaming up with a qualified pest technician. Our exterminators can help. We’ve been dealing with termite infestations for years, so we know how to remedy the problem swiftly and efficiently. When working with us, you can guarantee that the problem is going to be solved before you know it. Unless you know where they’re hiding and how to properly use the chemicals, you may not achieve your primary goals.

Doing It Yourself

Some people want to fix the problem on their own. In general, doing so is not a good idea. The problem is that termites are difficult to eliminate. If you don’t fix the problem rapidly, there is a chance that you’re going to experience issues. You need to go above and beyond to hire a qualified exterminator. Work with us to fix the problem swiftly. We won’t stop until the termites are gone for good.

When Can The Extermination Begin?

Contact our office and learn more about our services. We’ll contact you within 48 hours.

Safe Solutions

We understand that our clients are worried about the risks associated with termite treatments. If these products aren’t used safely, there is a risk that problems are going to occur. We offer safe, reliable solutions to fix the problem quicker than anyone. Furthermore, we strive to provide safer solutions. Our exterminators use EPA-registered solutions to fix the problem while keeping everyone safe.

Preventing Problems

Use the tips below to prevent future problems.

• Don’t let water sit around your home’s foundation.
• Deal with humidity problems in your crawlspace, attic, or basement.
• Store firewood properly. It should be 5 inches from the ground and 20 feet away from the home.
• Wood mulch should be placed 15 inches from the home’s foundation.
• Check the home for mud tubes and other termite signs often.
• Contact our office when you need assistance.

If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.