Insects have been around for hundreds of millions of years. What’s more is that the number of people is 200 million to one!
The good news is that most of these creepy crawly animals are harmless. Even so, there are some species that are considered pests.
Take carpenter ants, for example, which can easily damage your home structurally. The same goes for termites. If anything, they’re one of the most destructive species in the world!
Would you like to learn more about these wood-eating animals? If so, you are on the right page. We’ll go over some termite facts below. Read on to find out more!
What are termites?
Termites are small, winged insects that feed on rotting plant material such as tree roots, leaves, and wood chips (learn more here). They are whitish in color and are sometimes referred to as “white ants”.
While it depends on the exact type, most will live about a year or two. Queen termites are an exception, however, as they can survive for several decades under ideal conditions.
Like most insects, they live in colonies, some of which can be made up of millions of individuals. While they play an important role in the ecosystem by facilitating decomposition, they can also cause significant structural damage to buildings.
How can you tell if you have a termite infestation?
Termite infestation can cause thousands of dollars in damage – without you even knowing! Here are some signs that you may be dealing with a termite problem.
Discarded wings
During spring, termites leave their nests to mate and start a new colony. Once they have built a new nest, they will shed their wings.
You may notice them around doors, window sills, or other surfaces. If anything, this is one of the first signs it is a termite infestation.
Hollowed out wood
Most termites eat wood inside out. As a result, you are left with hollow wood.
However, it cannot always be seen at a glance. After all, it can appear completely normal from the outside. To find out if it is actually hollow or not, you would actually have to tap on it.
If you hear a crumbly paper sound, there is a high chance that termites are present. If so, you should hire a pest control company as soon as possible.
Click on Sounds
Termites may be small, but they can be quite noisy. For one, soldiers tend to hit their hands against the wall when they sense danger – this leads to a noticeable click.
Not only that, but they are loud eaters too. Depending on the size of the colony, you may be able to hear them chewing on the wall.
Mud hoses
Subterranean termites build mud tubes that connect their colonies to their food source. These “highways” are made up of earth, wood and other waste and allow them to conserve moisture, which is vital to their survival.
Generally, they can be found along concrete walls, baseboards, or cracks in the floor. Because of this, they can be difficult to spot.
Keep termites out of your home
The good news is there are steps you can take to prevent them from infecting your home. Here’s what you need to know.
Store your firewood properly
Make sure you store your firewood carefully if you have a fireplace. You don’t want them to be right next to the house. It’s also a good idea to raise them a few inches off the floor.
That way, termites are less likely to infest the wood and, even if they do, they will be a safe distance from the house.
Reduce moisture
Termites thrive in moist environments. With this in mind, you want to pay attention to the humidity in your home.
Use a dehumidifier if necessary. In general, the more airflow you have, the better – it prevents wood from rotting, which is what attracts these pests.
Cut off overgrown bushes and trees
Regularly trim the bushes around your house. You don’t want them to overgrow as this can give termites an easy way into your home.
The same goes for trees. You don’t want limbs or branches on your roof. Not only can they provide protection for pests, but they can also cause moisture to build up.
Termite Facts: How Much Damage Can They Do?
Termites have special enzymes and bacteria in their intestines that enable them to digest plant matter. However, because they are slow to feed, the damage can go unnoticed for many years.
Depending on the size of the colony, it can take 3 to 8 years for termite damage to become apparent.
Aside from holes, you may also notice bubble linings. In some cases, the damage can also resemble water damage (e.g., bubbly paint, creasing wood).
Ultimately, this can seriously affect the structural integrity of your home. For example, floors or ceilings can collapse. In fact, these animals are responsible for structural damage running into billions each year.
Understand termites
Hopefully these termite facts have given you a better idea of how destructive they can be. If anything, you always want to treat the infestation asap – you don’t want to wait for your wall to collapse before calling in a professional!
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