Termites are one of the most common pests found in North America, but they may also be a major problem for your home. Read on to learn about how termites can make themselves at home without any warning and how you can protect your home from them with the help of a professional termite control expert.
What are termites?
Termites are small, reddish-brown insect that lives in colonies. Colonies of termites can be found underground in soil and other organic materials. Termites feed on wood and other organic material, which means they can damage homes if they’re not treated properly.
Termite Damage
Termites cause serious damage to homes by chewing through wood beams and joists, eating away insulation and plumbing, and destroying drywall and flooring. If left untreated, termite damage can lead to structural failure and even loss of the home.
How Do You Get Rid Of Termites?
There’s no one guaranteed method for getting rid of termites, but several steps can help prevent them from damaging your home. Putting up a barrier around the perimeter of the home using wire mesh or an electronic fence is one way to prevent access by the termites. Seal any cracks in the foundation or walls with caulk or spackling compound, and seal all penetrations (including windows and doors) with weatherproofing. Regularly check for signs of termite activity (chewing patterns in wood, tunnels in the soil) and take appropriate action if there are any detected.
Where do they live?
Termites live in the soil beneath the earth’s surface. They are attracted to moisture and food sources.
How do they spread their infestation?
Termites can spread their infestation by leaving dirt trails behind as they travel between colonies. They also can spread their infestation by eating wood that is already infested with termites.
How do they reproduce?
Termites are a type of wood-eating insect. They live in colonies and use their antennae to find food. Females create holes in the ground with their mandibles and lay eggs. The eggs hatch into nymphs that feed on the wood under the colony. Older termites leave the colony and start new colonies nearby. Termites can reproduce through winged reproductives called alates.
What are the signs of termite infestation?
Termites are small, brownish-black insects that live in colonies of up to 25,000 workers. They are solitary creatures that feed on wood and other organic matter.
Termites build their nests by chewing a hole in the ground and then filling it with mud, grass, and abandoned wood. After a termite colony has been established, it is often difficult to detect before damage has been done. The following are some signs that you may have termites:
-Shifting or cracked walls or ceilings
-Unexplained gaps in the flooring or roofing
-Crowded areas inside the home (particularly in the attic and basement)
-Strange smells
-Thin wooden slats on doors and windows
How to prevent and control a termite infestation
Termites are an animal that lives in the soil and feeds on wood. They are harmful animals because they can destroy your home if you have an infestation. There are ways to prevent and control a termite infestation.
How much is termite protection worth?
Termites are destructive and harmful animals that can destroy your home. Depending on the severity of the damage, termite protection may be worth the cost. However, before you buy termite protection, make sure to consult with an exterminator to get an accurate estimate of the damage and required repairs.
