Termite Control-Threat Types & Prevention

Termite control is one of the most important ways to maintain your home’s structure. There are numerous types of termites, and some can cause more substantial damage than others. In addition to regular inspections, there are several other measures you can take to prevent termites from infesting your home.

One important aspect of home maintenance is termite control through prevention and detection. In addition, selling any home or commercial building usually requires a termite inspection. There are several different types of termites and some are more common than others. They include dampwood, drywood, Formosan subterranean and eastern subterranean. Though each type is somewhat unique, they all feed and nest in wood and wood-like materials. This can cause moderate to severe damage to building structures, furniture, and trees. The amount of damage depends on the type of termite, the size of the colony, and the amount of time they are present.

Drywood termites usually pose the mildest threat because their colonies are smaller-around a few thousand bugs. Their tunnels into the wood are usually only big enough for one termite to fit through at a time. You can most easily detect these holes because the termites push their fecal pellets out of the opening, forming piles. The pellets are tiny ovals with rounded ends, and are fairly hard and dense. If you spot these piles anywhere, you should contact a termite control professional as soon as possible.

The worst kind of termite is the Formosan subterranean, also know as super termites. They are most common in Hawaii and the southern half of the United States. Formosan subs are much more aggressive than other types and have much larger colonies. In fact, the queens can lay up to 1,000 eggs per day. This aggression and quick reproductive rate allows them to consume larger amounts of wood in a shorter period of time. A mature colony can contain millions of workers and can consume around thirteen ounces of wood each day. These termites even attack non-wood materials, such as plastic, plaster, asphalt and even thin sheets of metal. If you are unfortunate enough to encounter Formosans, it is crucial to have them exterminated immediately. Waiting just one extra day could result in hundreds or even thousands of dollars in damage.

Having a professional termite control exterminator inspect your property every few months is the best way to prevent infestation. Even if you do not see any indication of termites, a pro will know all of the right places to look and will notice even the smallest of signs. There are also several little things you can do to prevent termites. Keep mulch or firewood away from the house and try to elevate it off of the ground if possible. Reduce humidity in attics and crawl spaces through properly maintained ventilation. Fix leaking roofs, faucets, and pipes that might drip into cabinets or walls as quickly as possible. Trim bushes or other plants away from the home’s foundation. Termites also love moisture. If the exterior of the home is primarily wood, apply a coat of water resistant paint to prevent the absorption of moisture.
Monitor any areas where wood is in direct contact with soil, since this is the most common entrance to the structure for termites. You can achieve termite control by making it difficult for them to get in, as well as preventing the conditions they seek. This, along with professional inspections, should help you keep your home, furniture and trees termite-free.

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