Nobody likes to be surprised in a bad way. Unwanted pests always come with the kind of surprise that no homeowner ever wants to experience. And going by the sheer number of home proprietors facing the consequences of termites, these eight-legged horrid creatures deserve an in-depth examination. In this article, let’s take a look at eight terrifying termite facts and find out why they have caused such an uproar.
1. The Subterranean Termite Swarmers
Subterranean termites are a serious menace, they can cause extensive and irreversible damage to structures, furniture and other household items. Subterranean termite swarmers look similar to flying ants – they are pale, with long antennae and long, straight wings, and are much stronger than flying ants. They also leave behind droppings and a ‘musty’ smell as they travel into your home.
Appearance
The standard size of a termite is at least 6mm in length, and they are usually off-white in color. Their antennae, however, are quite long and their wings are visibly longer and broader than those of the flying ants.
Behavior
The subterranean termites are below the surface for most of the year, but when it’s time for them to reproduce, they fly above the surface and look for suitable place to build their new colonies – which explains why the swarms are so visible during spring and summer months.
2. Drywood Termites
Drywood termites are quite small insects that nest in the wood of home structures. These termites live in dry wood and have the ability to chew through different kinds of wood, including soft also hardwoods.
Appearance
They are usually about 6mm in size and off-white in color. Drywood termites’ wings are dark in color and the edges are soft. They have a roundish head with a pair of antennas, and the compound eyes are clearly visible.
Behavior
Unlike other termites, the drywood termites can survive above ground and do not require the moisture from the ground. They also create galleries or tunnels that they live in, as they tend to stay out of sight and away from the sunlight. Their life cycle is also faster than the subterranean termites and they require less food to survive.
3. Termite Damage
Termite damage can range from minor surface damage to extensive structural damage. They can also cause irreversible damage in an infested structure.
Surface Damage
Termite damage to the surface of a structure can range from small surface cracks to extensive holes in the wood.
Structural Damage
Structural damage caused by termites is especially concerning and can run well into the thousands. Termites can cause serious damage to walls, support beams, staircases, flooring and other areas as they go about their feeding and nesting activities. They have the ability to chew through wood, and can also cause damage to wiring and electrical systems in a home.
4. Termite Control
Controlling termites is best done by a professional pest control company. Termite control typically involves the use of a special liquid insecticide that’s injected into the ground around the affected area. This insecticide kills the termites and prevents them from coming back.
Treatment
A qualified pest control professional will use liquid insecticides to treat an infestation. These treatments are typically applied directly to the ground around the home, and are effective at killing off any termite colonies.
Prevention
Preventative measures can also be taken to keep termites away. Some of these include keeping gutters and downspouts clear of debris, maintaining proper ventilation in crawl spaces, and sealing any cracks or openings in walls and foundation.
5. Cost of Termite Control
The cost of termite control depends on the extent of the infestation, as well as the size of the area that needs to be treated. Generally, the cost of termite control is between $200 and $1,000 per 1,000 square feet.
Inspections
In order to accurately estimate the cost of extermination, the pest control company needs to do a thorough inspection of the affected area in order to determine the extent of the infestation.
Extermination
Once the inspection is done, the pest control company will be able to provide an accurate estimate of the cost of extermination. This estimate will typically include the cost of the extermination itself, plus any additional expenses such as labor costs and materials needed.
6. Signs of Termites
There are several signs to watch out for that could indicate the presence of termites in your home. If there’s any evidence of these signs, then it’s important that you contact a pest control professional immediately.
Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites leave behind droppings, shed wings, and a ‘musty’ smell. They also create mud tubes in the drywall and wood that you can see.
Drywood Termites
Drywood termites can create visible damage to wood, as well as creating small holes in the walls and ceilings. These holes can be filled with some kind of sticky substance that is usually a bright yellow color.
7. Prevention Tips
The best way to prevent a termite infestation is to be proactive. Regular maintenance and inspection of the home is essential, as well as being familiar with the signs to watch out for.
Inspection
Have a professional do a full inspection of the home every 6 months to a year in order to catch any signs of infestation early.
Exclusion
Excluding termites from the home is another good way to prevent an infestation. Sealing any cracks or openings in walls and foundation, and keeping gutters and downspouts clear of debris can help to keep them out.
8. People Also Ask
How do I know if my house has termites?
Signs of termites include droppings, shed wings, a musty smell, and visible damage to wood, including small holes in the walls and ceilings.
What do termites look like?
Termites are usually 6mm in size and off-white in color. Their antennae, however, are quite long and their wings are visibly longer and broader than those of the flying ants.
How dangerous are termites?
Termites can cause serious and irreversible damage to a home, from small surface cracks to extensive structural damage. It is best to take steps to prevent an infestation before it develops into something more serious.
What are the most effective methods for termite control?
The most effective methods for controlling termites are inspections, treatments with insecticides, and exclusion methods such as sealing cracks and openings in walls and foundations.
How much does it cost to get rid of termites?
The cost of termite control depends on the extent of the infestation, as well as the size of the area that needs to be treated. Generally, the cost of termite control is between $200 and $1,000 per 1,000 square feet.
Conclusion
Termites are small but powerful pests that can cause serious and irreversible damage to homes and structures. Knowing more about termite behavior, control and prevention is the best way to protect your home from these destructive creatures. Taking