Published Tuesday May. 18, 2021, 10:31 a.m.
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Termites, also known as “white ants,” are vicious crawling animals that you need to watch out for all year round. However, these tiny insects are usually more active than the colder ones in warmer climates. This is evident in southern states, where there is a high risk of termite infestation. The cold winters in most of the northern states would freeze termite colonies before they could even show any signs of activity.
A single termite certainly doesn’t look threatening, but an entire colony can destroy and invade a home. American homeowners report an estimated cost of $ 5 billion a year for the damage caused only by these tiny insects.
Treating and preventing termite infestation early is better than ever. It’s important to have an annual pest control professional inspect your home to get rid of these destructive pests. Take special precautions against these insects to avoid continually destroying their properties by simple measures you can follow.
Get to know the enemy
Moisture, wood and timber structures, openings and geography are the four main factors that cause termite infestation and should also be looked for before buying a home. These factors increase the invasiveness of these insects. Although there are approximately 45 species of termites in the United States, the following species pose the greatest threat to homeowners:
- Subterranean termites
These termite species are found in all states of the United States except Alaska. They live in underground colonies and need ground contact. They also use mud hoses to reach the forest in the house. In particular, they cause most of the termite damage in homes as workers’ termites can eat through plaster of paris, foam, plastic, or asphalt to reach the wood.
- Formosan termites
These species of termites thrive in the southeastern states, southern California, and Hawaii. These termites are the most destructive species. They chew and destroy wood very quickly due to their large population. They also nest underground and need contact with the ground to form colonies.
- Dry wood termites
These termite species are found on the Gulf Coast, the southwestern states, and Hawaii. You can live anywhere in a house and do not need to be in contact with the ground. As the name suggests, they attack dry wood.
Also, pay attention to the swarming season, which takes place in spring. During swarming, termites are more proactive and destructive when it gets warmer. These termites are also more aggressive in spring because it is their mating season. It’s important to think of early spring as the time of year to do your gardening.
Know the first signs
Termites can be very difficult to spot. You could secretly chew and chew anywhere in your house. However, these are warning signs to keep an eye on these “silent destroyers”.
- Look out for any imperfections that appear on walls or posts. Otherwise, look for clues about the pests themselves indoors, e.g. B. scale wings.
- Be wary of poop that looks like sawdust or coffee grounds.
- Look into bulging, hollowed out, or damaged woods or stains in your property.
- Examine wood floors for blistering and darkening that look like small cracks or holes.
- Look for mud hoses that are pencil-thick to inch-wide dirt tunnels near the base of the house.
Take matters into your own hands
They can help prevent termite invasion. As a homeowner or landowner, there are simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of infestation.
- Check and repair any water leaks or moisture build-up from the house.
- Release the drainage systems and clean the gutters and pipes.
- Remove excess moisture.
- Store all firewood outside the house and use termite-resistant wood whenever possible.
- Be careful with mulch that contains wood; Opt for rubber or gravel mulch.
Call in professional destroyers
However, when you get the help of a qualified termite killer, you can save frustration, time, aggravation, and money in dealing with the sighting and invasion of these pests. Professional help is the most effective and best way to get rid of these destructive termites. Remember, in order to eliminate a termite invasion, you must eradicate the entire colony with an appropriate type of treatment. A pro-termite killer can detect termite infestations in your home and identify the treatment to be given. Professionals offer a guarantee of their work and continued support to prevent further termite activity. Regular inspections by a professional pest control company are the best treatment and prevention method to eradicate these pests.
In a nutshell
Termites have survived on the planet for over 250 million years. They are professionals when it comes to building self-regulating houses. In addition, every termite on earth, when combined, outweighs the total weight of every person on the planet. Most termites are not pests as they continue to thrive in the ecosystem as useful decomposers. They are hardworking insects that don’t sleep at all. They are fascinating creatures indeed. Still enough is enough. If you eradicate these vicious pests today, you will be freed from termite infestations tomorrow. Do not contact a pest control professional if you notice termite damage or suspect you may have a termite problem. Proactively protect your assets and investments – your home.
Story of Disa Gale
