Table Of Content
Winged termites have a straight waist, straight antennae and their wings are equal in size. Flying ants on the other hand have waists that are pinched in the middle, bent antennae and two sets of wings, with the top set being larger than the lower. Termites are also most likely to swarm in the spring, while flying ants may swarm at various times of the year. A subterranean termite colony often causes more damage than any other type of termite colony, even to the point if they are left unchecked, they can take down a home in less than a year. Subterranean termites chew wood every hour of every day, and they can multiply quickly. Formosan subterranean termites multiply the fastest of all U.S. termite species, and that makes them the most formidable.
How Much Does Termite Damage Repair Cost?
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DIY Termite Treatments
Termites are relentless and cause extensive damage if left unchecked. By being vigilant and taking preventive measures, you minimize the risk of a termite infestation. Termites are one of the most dangerous pests that can take over your home besides disease-carrying mammals. Termites do untold damage to your property and put your safety and that of your family in jeopardy.
Identify them
Before breaking out the baits or pesticides, it’s necessary to identify the type of termite. The most common types in residential and commercial properties are subterranean, drywood, and dampwood termites. If you see swarms of termites in particular emerging from your home, get a pro asap.
Buckled Wood
And if you need more fuel for your nightmares, Webb says he has seen some homes so destroyed by the little pests they had to be completely rebuilt. By using something to hit the wood of the house, like the back-end of a tool, homeowners can identify different sounds the wood produces, which can speak to its damage. Heavy, undamaged wood absorbs sound quickly, creating a rich, deep sound. To get the most accurate gauge on termite damage, follow the wood grain, beginning with the base and moving upward.
While termites do leave sawdust-like droppings, Webb says the common eastern subterranean termites leave their droppings inside of wood, where you’re unlikely to see them. Homeowners may see the pencil-width mud tubes spreading out like veins on their home’s foundation. If you’re concerned about a possible termite infestation, it’s best to call a professional who can eliminate these pests and stop further damage to your home.
Find Termite Control Pros in Los Angeles, CA
They have the tools and training necessary to tackle these types of pest problems. Pencil-thick to inch-wide tunnels on foundation and crawl-space walls (above) shelter subterranean termites traveling to and from the nest. If you see cream-colored insects when you break open the tubes, your house is infested. Named for the cone-shaped head their soldiers have, conehead termites travel above ground similar to ants, rather than via underground tunnels like other species. Although conehead termites are primarily found in various southern regions of Florida, any infestation could possibly have a significant impact on the structural integrity of a building. Many people will see termite swarmers in homes during the spring and mistake them for flying ants; this can end up being a costly mistake if the rest of the termite colony follows the swarmers.
Termites - Insect & Pest Control
Flying termites lose these wings when they mate, so discarded wings anywhere in a home are a primary sign of termites. But termites dine out of sight, cleverly disguising the results of their munching. On the following pages, we’ll tell you the warning signs to look for, the most common types of termites, and the pros and cons of various treatment options. It’s not always possible for an untrained eye to spot evidence of termites, but homeowners should keep a look-out for the certain signs of termites that can help them identify a termite infestation. Here’s a handy guide to help you learn how to spot termites in your home and identify their species correctly.
Tips to prevent or reduce termite damage in homes - Axios
Tips to prevent or reduce termite damage in homes.
Posted: Mon, 22 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
You see insects that look like white ants.
Found in every U.S. state except Alaska, subterranean termites are creamy white to dark brown or black and 1/8 inch long. They live in underground colonies or in moist secluded areas aboveground that can contain up to two million members. Subterranean termites also build telltale “mud tubes” to gain access to food sources and protect themselves from the open air. This termite species is considered to be by far the most destructive of all termites throughout the United States.
When a termite eats treated materials and returns to its colony, the termite will die and spread the poison to other termites. It’s important to note that professional-grade pesticides may be difficult to come by and risky to use without experience. “Professionals go through a lot of training to use these products, and misapplications can be dangerous,” says Dupuy. “In most states, there are regulations that must be followed as well.” Direct chemicals are another option for termites found inside the home. This product comes in a foam termite spray that can be applied along cracks or gaps in walls where termites are entering. Once the foam evaporates it will be toxic to termites and kill them on contact.
One cause of termites that isn’t the fault of the homeowner is location. Some areas in the country are more prone to termite infestations due to other causes, such as high moisture levels. Since termites love warmer areas, they tend to be a bigger problem in the south. Similarly, if the termite infestation is in your attic, it can also be very difficult to treat it effectively using other methods, especially if you have plumbing or electric running through that area. A third situation in which tenting is generally useful is when the termite infestation has gotten inside your wooden flooring.
Florida termites swarm across state. Here's how to prevent damage: - Pensacola News Journal
Florida termites swarm across state. Here's how to prevent damage:.
Posted: Wed, 10 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Ignoring the early signs of termites in drywall can cause significant damage down the road. Below are a few options for what to do if you have signs of a problem. If termites have been in your house for a long time, they can cause significant damage. Such damage can cause your home to shift or settle as it reacts to being eaten away. Signs of structural foundation damage in a home include drywall cracks above doors and windows and doors and windows that do not close properly. Termites are responsible for costing homeowners across the U.S. billions of dollars in property damage.
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