Termite Identification
What Are Termites?
Termites are wood-destroying insects that live all across the country. Something unique about termites is that they are one of few organisms capable of turning cellulose into a usable energy source. That fact makes them very beneficial out in nature but dangerous inside our Northwest Arkansas homes and businesses.
There are several different types of termites in the U.S., with subterranean termites being responsible for much of the termite damage caused each year. Subterranean termites nest underground, and workers leave the nest each day to search for food to bring back to the nest. Termites gather and feed on wood; subterranean termites prefer water-damaged or decaying wood.
Are Termites Dangerous?
Termites are more likely to put our homes in danger than us. Moving into our homes unnoticed through the ground, termites can work for months or years without notice, literally eating us out of house and home!
As termites feed on structural wood, they weaken it, negatively affecting your home’s structural integrity. As if causing structural damage itself wasn’t enough, it is important to note that repairing the damage is expensive because most homeowners' insurance doesn’t cover it.
When it comes to any pest, but especially termites, the best defense is a good offense, and being proactive and putting into place a year-round pest control program is important.
Why Do I Have a Termite Problem?
When a termite nest is mature, winged reproductive termites will swarm from it, usually in the spring. The termites quickly drop their wings, mate, and search for a place to nest. Termites often find their way onto new properties during the swarming process. If you see winged termites or piles of insect wings, a mature termite nest is likely located near your home, either on your property or a neighboring property.
Termites are the most problematic in wooded areas, which makes sense since wood is their primary food source! However, it is important to note that termites can find their way into any structure, and protecting your home from termites is essential. Properties with lots of moisture and food sources such as wood, brush piles, and other organic debris are most attractive to termites.
Where Will I Find Termites?
As termites travel through the soil or inside mud tubes to forage for food, they often discover that the inside of your home has unlimited food sources available. These insects often move into structures through spaces in the foundation, gaps around pipes or other utilities entering your house, or through wood that is touching the ground.
After moving inside and traveling through wooden floor joists, termites find and attack structural wood damaged by water. Termites remain out of sight, hidden behind walls, under floors, or above ceilings. Structural wood around windows and doors, behind sinks and tubs, and near water pipes or air conditioning units are where we often find termites feeding.
How Do I Get Rid Of Termites?
Eliminate termites and keep them from returning with the help of the experts at Rumble Pest Solutions of Arkansas. We know how destructive termites are and will work with you to ensure they won’t return to feed on and damage your home’s structure. Through our thorough inspections, the use of Sentricon® bait stations, and 100% guarantee, you can trust us with your termite control needs!
At Rumble Pest Solutions of Arkansas, our mission is to protect your family, your home, and the environment. We want to give you peace of mind in knowing your most important assets are being protected! If you need help ridding your property of wood-eating termites, give us a call today and speak with one of our friendly and helpful professionals!
How Can I Prevent Termites In The Future?
The following tips will help you to prevent termites from taking over your home:
- Clean up your yard by removing woodpiles, fallen trees, tree stumps, or leaf piles that could act as a food source for hungry termites.
- Replace wood mulch with a non-organic material that doesn’t decay or retain moisture in landscaped areas.
- Remove decaying wooden structures from your property like fences, decks, porches, playsets, sheds.
- Make sure your gutters are working correctly and your yard has good drainage.
- Fill in low lying areas that collect water on your property.
- Quickly repair pipes or fixtures in your home that spring a leak.
- Use dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels in your home.
- Replace any wood in or on your home that becomes damaged by water with sound wood.
Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control services. Call us today our Springdale, AK location (479) 349-2560, Springfield, MO Location (417) 551-6081, or our Jefferson City, MO Location 573-508-0277
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