Termites and Your Home
Termites, despite their size, can wreak havoc on homes. Pest Control
experts estimate that as many as 14 subterranean termite colonies exist
per acre. That means that an average home could have as many as four
termite colonies either directly under it or adjacent to it. Considering
that as many as 1 million termites are living within each colony. Doing
the mat
h, you should find that upwards of 14 million termites are living
under and around your home.
experts estimate that as many as 14 subterranean termite colonies exist
per acre. That means that an average home could have as many as four
termite colonies either directly under it or adjacent to it. Considering
that as many as 1 million termites are living within each colony. Doing
the mat
h, you should find that upwards of 14 million termites are livingunder and around your home.
Termites are a problem in nearly every state in the country and every
home is at risk. Central heat has made homes hospitable to termites. The
damage potential of termites is incredible. They cause millions of
dollars worth of damage every year. The fight against termites costs
over $4 billion dollars annually in the United States.
damage potential of termites is incredible. They cause millions of
dollars worth of damage every year. The fight against termites costs
over $4 billion dollars annually in the United States.
What do they eat?
As you know, the termites natural job is to break down dead wood in
forests and are especially attracted to materials that contain
cellulose. In other words, any kind of wood will do. When forests are
removed to build homes, termites seek out new food sources like the
woods behind your home, books, boxes, furniture and the wood framing
used in the construction of your home.
forests and are especially attracted to materials that contain
cellulose. In other words, any kind of wood will do. When forests are
removed to build homes, termites seek out new food sources like the
woods behind your home, books, boxes, furniture and the wood framing
used in the construction of your home.
How do they get in?
Through your foundation. Foundations most vulnerable to termite entry
are basements and concrete slabs -- in other words, the foundations
underneath most homes. The tiniest space -- Entomologists estimate that
a crack of 1/64 of an inch is enough. This provides plenty of room for
termites to pass through your floor and into your home. Unfortunately,
once termites have gained entry into your home, they're natural born
hunters of wood. They'll feast on anything from the siding to your
floorboards and wallboards to decorative wood items.
are basements and concrete slabs -- in other words, the foundations
underneath most homes. The tiniest space -- Entomologists estimate that
a crack of 1/64 of an inch is enough. This provides plenty of room for
termites to pass through your floor and into your home. Unfortunately,
once termites have gained entry into your home, they're natural born
hunters of wood. They'll feast on anything from the siding to your
floorboards and wallboards to decorative wood items.
Termites are a social functioning society. When there is swarming, a
male and female come together to form a new colony. They mate for life,
become king and queen, and reproduce.
The queen can live up to 25 years. Each year she lays thousands of eggs.
Their children are called nymphs and become the soldiers, who protect
the colony; workers, that find food and maintain the nest; and
reproductive, that of the colony.
Reproductive termites are the swarmers. When they mature, they leave the
colony at the same time, in a swarm. This usually occurs in the spring
or fall, usually during the morning after a warm rain.
They flutter several feet and fall. After they fall, their wings drop.
Most fail to survive, since sunlight and air are deadly to the termite.
Unfortunately a small percentage will find mates, burrow into the
ground, and begin new colonies.
As they discover sources of food (wood) throughout your home, termites
actually leave a trail of chemicals behind, which in essence, signals
fellow termites of the presence of a food source ahead. You can't always
tell when your home has fallen victim to termite damage until the
obvious signs are present (i.e., swarming or dead termites in your
home).
How do I know I have termites?
Following is a list of tell tale signs that you have a problem and
should call Ace Exterminators right away:
should call Ace Exterminators right away:
1. Sawdust-like "powder" near doors, windows and/or garage
2. Stray wings left near doors, windows and/or garage
3. Tiny holes on any wood surfaces in or outside of your home
4. Paint that has started to bubble on wood surfaces
5. Mud tunnels lining the foundation of your house, either inside or
outside and/or the obvious sign...
6. Flying termites -- inside your house. They often are seen near
sources of light (ironic, since sunlight is their enemy ... they may be smart, but
they're not geniuses).
sources of light (ironic, since sunlight is their enemy ... they may be smart, but
they're not geniuses).
If you've seen any of these signs, then unfortunately the damage has
already begun.
It's best to get your home inspected occasionally by a professional who
knows the subtle warning signs of termite infestation, and where to look
for them.
knows the subtle warning signs of termite infestation, and where to look
for them.
How do I get rid of termites?
Getting rid of termites is not a 'do it yourself' job, nor is it any
fun, give us a call and we will rid you of the problem.
fun, give us a call and we will rid you of the problem.
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