Termites: Prevention Today May Save Your Home Tomorrow

Termites: Prevention Today May Save Your Home Tomorrow

Despite measuring only ten millimeters in length, the voracious appetite of termites cause more damage than storms, fires and floods combined. With the end of each February marking the beginning of swarming season for termites, few homeowners realize the destruction caused annually by these invasive insects. States with high rainfall and a mild climate are especially susceptible to unruly breeding and infestationMany homeowners seek professional termite extermination only after they have identified an infestation. This is a common mistake, as by this point termites are already well-established, and often costly to exterminate. The most effective and efficient solution is regular inspection and prevention. Although commonly thought of as one group, termites are actually composed of many different varieties. The most common American varieties include: Drywood termites, Dampwood termites, Subterranean termites, and Formosan termites. Each variety has unique characteristics, effectively rendering many common "Do-It-Yourself" termite extermination treatments insufficient or impotent.The Drywood termite lives exclusively in wood and does not require any contact with soil. These termites acquire their necessary moisture through the digestion of cellulose, which is found in common household items. These invaders have a tendency to create multiple colonies within the same structure. This variety of termite is typically 3/8-inch long with a large brownish head. The most common way to identify an infestation is by their fecal pellets. However, these are often mistaken for sawdust. The Dampwood termite does not live in soil, but rather prefers damp or rotting wood to establish their colonies. This variety specifically targets decaying ground wood that is common to the exterior of homes. It is vital for homeowners to address moisture prone areas, both on the interior and exterior of their home, especially in mild or tropical climates. These pests are also common in trees, often hallowing out branches and breaking limbs, causing property damage. Again, the easiest way to identify an infestation is by their fecal matter. But once more, these pellets are difficult to detect, as they become wet and stick to the walls of the colony. The Subterranean termite is the most commonly encountered variety of termite. They build large colonies with intricate tunnel systems and have as many as a million members. Although this variety of termite is most likely to swarm during the spring months, warmer climates allow them to do so year-round. Their colonies are typically found in soil, as they require constant contact with a moisture source. These pests construct mud tunnels up to 60 feet in length in order to reach food sources. They are typically a transparent-yellowish color, often with pale bodies and dark colored heads. It is important to regularly inspect the perimeter of your home for their "termite tubes".The Formosan termite is also referred to as the "Super Termite" because of its reputation as being the most destructive termite on the planet. They have the largest colonies of any termite, reaching as large as 300 feet and boasting as many as eight million members. These large nests can have multiple kings and queens constantly reproducing, with a mature queen laying as many as 1,000 eggs per day! The sheer size of their colonies, combined with their ability to consume entire planks of wood while leaving the surface intact, make them nearly impossible to detect and extremely destructive. These insects are a yellowish-pale color, with the coloring for kings and queens varying greatly from light to dark.Common misconceptions remain regarding termites. Most people believe that this insect exclusively feeds on wood. This is extremely inaccurate, as termites will feast on any cellulose-based product, including cardboard, insulation and a wide array of other household goods. These pests have even been found destroying asphalt and thin metal sheeting, proving that even the exterior of your home can fall victim to these pests.Only 1/64th of an inch is required for these apt invaders to enter your home. Within six months termites can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage. The best tool against such a destructive and adaptable enemy is prevention and maintenance. With many companies offering a green approach and pet-safe treatments, now is the time to act. Do not let your home fall victim to a costly infestation simply because the warning signs went undetected.

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