Termites wreak havoc on wood more than any other insect in the United States. At costs exceeding two billion dollars a year, subterranean termites do more damage to human property than fire and windstorms combined. However, it is important to learn all about termites; some of their destruction in nature is very beneficial. Subterranean termites break down wood and wood by-products, such as fallen trees and wood materials. Dead trees and other woods are slowly recycled into soil. Termites are not a problem until the wood they decide to break down is a human structure. Termites do not usually breakdown human structures when dead trees and brush are around. If no other wooden elements are around, termites may attack wooden structures including houses, building, and warehouses. Termites are not always easy to detect, because they breakdown the wood from the inside. They can be found in wood trim, siding, and even wallboards.
Learn all about termites to prevent infestations and minimize property damage. Termites are social insects that live in colonies or nests in the soil, hence the name subterranean. Termite colonies can contain hundreds or thousands of termites. The three forms of termites are: workers, soldiers, and reproductives. Workers are the most common caste or form. Worker termites feed other castes, tunnel and excavate the nest, and groom the queen. They are wingless, white to creamy-white in color, and ¼ to ½ inch in length. Soldier termites are similar in appearance to workers. However, they have larger brownish-colored heads and powerful mandibles. Soldiers protect the colony from ants and other invaders. Reproductives have three adult forms: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary reproductives are winged, while secondary and tertiary are wingless. Primary reproductives range in color from a light yellowish-brown to black with pale, grey, or brown veined wings. The two other reproductives are usually white to cream colored. They may have short wing buds. A reproductive termite replaces the primary queen when she dies. Winged reproductives are also called swarmers.
Detect termites by looking for signs of infestation. The presence of swarmers may indicate an infestation of the surrounding structure. If the swarmers are outside of the structure, they might be just passing by. However, if the swarmers are inside, they have likely from an active infestation of the structure. Swarmers are often seen on windowsills or near lights. Another indication of infestation is wings that are found on windowsills or in spider webs. A sure sign of termites is wood damage. Wood damage is not always easy to spot. Any contact between wood and soil can become an entry point for termites, especially if the wood is not treated. Mud tubes on external walls, wood beams, or in crawl spaces are a sign of termite infestation. Other signs include: cracked or bubbling paint, termite droppings, and wood that sounds hollow when tapped with a hammer or screwdriver. Continue to read all about termites to find out how to protect your home.
Take steps to prevent subterranean termite infestations in your home. Eliminate all moisture problems in and around your house. Repair all leaking faucets, air conditioners, and water pipes. Maintain gutters and down-spouts, so they drain properly. Divert standing water near the foundation of your home and on your roof. Keep all vents clean, clear, and open to prevent buildup of excess moisture. Seal any entry points, especially around water pipes and other utility lines. Remove wood mulch and excessively overgrown groundcover plants. Remove any unnecessary wood that could become a food source to termites. Remove any tree stumps and wood debris near your home. Do not let the soil come in direct contact with the wood structure of your home. Do not keep any firewood or lumber near your house or crawlspaces. Termites are especially attracted to the odor produced by decaying wood and fungi. Any wood exposed to continual moisture (from rain or other sources) must be treated. Termites are prone to dehydration, thus making moisture extremely important to their well-being. Therefore, accumulated moisture is your enemy.
Confirm your suspicion. If you suspect that termites have infested your property, call a professional. Professional termite inspectors know all about termites. They know exactly what to look for, how to prevent them, and how to get rid of them for good. Do not hesitate to call a professional. Their knowledge about termites can save your home. They will offer one or more different treatments based on how bad the infestation is. If you are lucky, you can catch the problem before it gets out of hand and causes extreme permanent damage.
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