Termites can wreak havoc on your home by infesting itself into the wooden structure of the property causing thousands of dollars in property damage. The best way to avoid the headaches that come with having termites is to stay ahead of the infestation. With proper and routine pest maintenance avoiding this problem is easier.
There are different types of termites that you need to be aware of:
- Dampwood - live above ground, require moisture, on the larger side.
- Drywood - require no moisture, found in rotted, dry wood, lives above ground.
- Subterranean - build colonies underground, require moisture to stay alive, typically found in basements.
Similar to ants, termites live in colonies and have an entire system of work delegation. They are highly social and have workers, drones (reproducers), soldiers and Queens. This is how they can to spread and infest your property.
As the colony grows it releases winged termites which then go out into the wild and form a new colony. Termite swarm season takes place between late Spring and early Summer depending on the type of termite and the location.
How do you treat termites?
The most effective way to combat termites is to treat your home with a preventive treatment solution but in the case that you do not use one, you should know what to look for with regards to infestations so that you can properly treat it. Educating yourself on the standard entry points and the first signs of infestation would be to your benefit.
Termite entry points include:
- Cracks in the foundation around plumbing
- Expansion points
- Hollow block walls
- Foundation walls and piers
A swarm of winged termites (often on the ground) is a sign of an infestation. Another sign is the presence of mud tubes. These straw-like tubes are often a structure or on the ground. This may indicate that an infestation is present or has already passed. These signs are most typical of subterranean termites. Dry wood termites have no soil contact and live within the wood. Their colonies are smaller sized as well. These termites create sand-like fecal pellets. These pellets may fall from the ceiling or furniture. Making sure you watch for these signs and beginning treatment early is the best way to ensure your home is protected.
