Because termite control begins with education!
It is estimated that two billion dollars is spent annually on termite treatments in US homes, which make termites some of the most hated and feared pests. Not only do they give homeowners the heebie-jeebies, but they are extremely destructive to homes when left unaddressed.
SWAT Mosquito and Pest Control is here to not only educate but provide our services when it comes to termite control. To know how to prevent and control these well-adapted creatures takes some knowledge and pest control from the best! Join us in today’s post!
Termite Identification 101
No only really wants extensive knowledge of termites, but if you are dealing, or have dealt with them, you know how ingenious they can be! With a little information, you can better prevent a future termite infestation. If you think you have termites, the best course of action is to call a termite expert and have them assess your property.
As winter passes and the spring begins to thaw and melt the ground, it often exposes damage sustained during the colder months from the rain and snow. These conditions invite termites and create a new structure for them to invade and potentially get closer to your home.
North America has an abundance of termite species, totaling 50 in all and of those species, there are three types of termite:
Dampwood – These termites infest wood that is high in water content and typically stays away from homes because of the lack of moisture in these structures, but be wary, you can attract this species to home with the right conditions.
Drywood – These termites thrive in dry wood and make their colonies in wooden wall beams, roofing, and wood near a water source such as a leaky outdoor facet or indoor hot water heater.
Subterranean – These termites are found in every state except Alaska, and their colonies can grow to roughly two million in an aboveground nest where they fashion mud tubes to protect them from open air but keep them close to tasty food sources. Subterranean termites are one of the most destructive types of termite in the US.
When Termites Look Like Ants
Some homeowners mistake a termite infestation because they can be mistaken for ants — this is a costly and dangerous mistake to make. Here are a few differences to help you better identify termites.
- Ants have a narrow midsection, while termites have a solid body.
- Ants have curved antennae, while termites antennae are straight.
- Ant’s wings are unequal, whereas termites wings are well-proportioned.
How Termites Behave
Termites are extremely adaptable and can colonize when the conditions are just right — most love warm and damp areas close to wood and decaying plants.
What makes them unique is that they’re what are considered cryptobiotic — they are wonderful at hiding beneath mulch and soil, they can hide, but they make it near possible for you to seek! Not only do they meander through your property, during swarming season, winged termites are also able to fly coming and going undetected.
A few more facts:
- A queen termite can live up to 18 years.
- Wood is the primary source of food despite their colonies being in the soil.
- A mature termite colony can spread as far as half an acre.
- Termites eat their way from the inside out of wooden structures, which is why they can go undetected for so long.
Termites look very unassuming and sure don’t seem like they can do much damage, but when a colony is established on your property, they can inflict critical structural damage costing you a lot of money in repairs.
Don’t let these silent destroyers ruin your home — partner with SWAT Mosquito and Pest Control to combat your termite infestation quickly and efficiently.