Termites
Termites are bugs that destroy wood and cause more than 5 billion dollars in damage each year in the U.S. Most home insurance won’t cover the damage they do. They live in big groups and have different jobs, like working, soldiering, and reproducing.
Some of the most common species found living throughout our area include:
Drywood termites
Drywood termites live in dry wood, not needing contact with the soil or wet wood like other termites. They live in smaller groups and work more slowly but can still cause a lot of damage to furniture and wooden structures.
Eastern subterranean termites
Subterranean termites are the most common termites in the U.S. They live underground and travel through mud tubes between their nests and food sources. They need a lot of moisture and like to attack wood that’s decaying or has been damaged by water.
Formosan termites
Formosan termites are a type of underground termite with huge colonies, sometimes with millions of members. Because of their massive colonies, they’re the most destructive type. They can mess up a home or business in just six months. These termites are unique because they can get into buildings either above or at ground level. They make nests above ground using a carton material to keep them moist and get into buildings through walls, windows, doors, or the roof.
Danger Level
Termites don’t hurt people directly, but they’re trouble for homes and buildings, causing expensive damage. In Texas, they can get into any home or business without you knowing. They can do their damage for a long time before you even notice they’re there. Usually, it’s only when you see the damage that you find out they’ve been around.
Why do I have a termite problem?
Termites usually show up on your property when the winged ones leave their old colony to find mates and start new colonies. This is called a termite swarm. If your place has lots of food and good spots to nest, it might attract termites. They can also come from a nearby property while looking for food.
Drywood termites usually get inside your home or business through wooden furniture or structures that are already infested and brought in from outside.
Where will I find termites?
Eastern subterranean termites and Formosan termites don’t live in the wood they eat; they live in nests in the ground or, for Formosan termites, in nests above ground. You might find their nests on flat rooftops. When they’re munching on the wood inside your home or business, they’re usually in hidden spots like above ceilings, behind walls, or under floors.
On the flip side, drywood termites actually live and eat in the wooden structures they infest. So, wooden beams, furniture, picture frames, and siding are like their homes.
How do I get rid of termites?
To get rid of termites, it’s best to call a pest control company like Ponder Pest Control. They know what to do and have the right tools to get rid of the problem. They’re a local family-owned business, focused on giving excellent service and making sure they deal with the termites in a way that fits your place. If you want to know more about how they can help, just contact Ponder Pest Control!
Prevention
In addition to our home and commercial pest control services, protect your property from pests with the following prevention tips:
Exterior Tips
- Clean gutters regularly to prevent water from backing up and seeping into your walls.
- Remove fallen trees, tree stumps, and other debris from your property.
- Repair loose or missing shingles, as well as any other roof damage.
- Seal any cracks in the foundation and masonry of your property.
- Fix leaky faucets, fixtures, and pipes.
- Limit soil to wood contact around your home or business.
- Place weather-stripping around all windows and doors to help prevent water damage.
Interior Tips
- Use dehumidifiers and/or air conditioners to reduce moisture levels on your property.
- Make sure crawlspaces on your property are properly ventilated.
- Remove water-damaged wood from your home or business.