Hello World! Welcome Friends! Termites are small insects also known as silent destroyers; they are wood eating bugs that have the ability to wreak havoc on structures and homes if not checked. These bugs can compromise the structural integrity of a structure/building by eating up wood and other cellulose infused materials in the building. That is why homeowners must of necessity understand and appreciate the threat these insects pose and how to tackle them.
In this article, we will share tips on how to identify infestation and effective treatments in order to protect your home.
Understanding Termites
Termites live in colonies which is why they are referred to as social insects. These colonies can be made up of from as many as a few hundreds of them to multiple millions. These colonies are delineated into different castes that have unique roles.
The basic caste is made up of workers, soldiers and reproductive these groups comprises of kings, queens and swarmer or alates. The workers are in charge of feeding so they are the ones that forage for food. The soldiers protect the colony and the reproductive are in charge of reproduction and the establishment of new colonies.
You can get detailed information on these bugs on https://www.pestworldforkids.org/. Meanwhile, we will share a summary of some species of termites:-
- Subterranean- These can be found in every state and region of the US apart from Alaska and they are the most destructive of these creatures. They build distinctive tunnels known as mud tubes to get to their food which is usually wood. They eat the wood constantly with no break which can lead to the total collapse of the structure they’ve infested.
- Dry Wood – These one do not need contact with the earth (soil). They infest dry wood and can be found most in the Southern coastal regions of the country (US).
- Damp Wood – Just as the name implies, this specie is drawn to wood that is damp and decaying. Their likelihood of infesting homes is lower because they prefer high-moisture places.
A basic understanding of the different species but more especially their mode of infestation is very important in order to know the right type of strategy to employ for treatment.
Signs of Termite Infestation
Early detection of infestation by these bugs is critical to damage control. Unfortunately, these critters can be difficult to notice because of how they can blend into foundations, walls and floors. However, there are some signs that can indicate their presence. Find below some clues:-
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- Mud Tubes – These are the mode of travel for subterranean termites through which they go from their nests to their food source. These tubes are usually as wide as a regular pencil and can be located in the basement, crawls spaces or along walls of the foundation of a structure. Click here to join the conversation on detecting termite infestation.
- Hollow Sounding Wood – Termites often eat wood from inside out until there’s only a thin veneer. So when you tap on wood that is termite-infested, you get a hollow sound.
- Discarded Wings – The swarmers or reproductive usually shed their after they have mated and established new colonies. So if you find discarded wings around your doors, windows or other entry points in your home, it might be an indication of infestation nearby.
- Termite Droppings – Dry wood termites’s droppings are small and pellet like and they are known as frass. An accumulation of these in piles indicates that the wood is infested with the critters.
- Bubbling or Blistered Paint – Termites introduce moisture to wood when they tunnel through it thereby causing the outer paint to bubble or blister.
Once you notice any of these signs, it is very important that you contact Pest Control Professionals urgently for comprehensive inspection and proffering of treatment options.
Effective Termite Treatment Options
After you have detected the presence of these critters in your building or home, the next step is to exterminate them. Getting the right termite treatment option requires expert knowledge of the specie involved and the technique required for it. Find below some of the options based on the specie:-
- Liquid Termiticides – These are chemical barriers that are applied to the soils around a building to stop termites from entering the building.
- Baiting Systems – Bait stations are placed around a building and slow acting toxins are placed in the stations to redirect the termites back to their colonies.
- Wood Treatment
- Fumigation
- Heat Treatment
All these treatments must be undertaken based on the recommendation of an expert who understands the extent of infestation and the severity of damage in addition to the specie of termites involved.
Conclusion
We have established that termites can cause severe damage to the structural integrity of a building. Furthermore, we stated that early detection and appropriate treatment is critical to avoiding irreparable or expensive damage. Bear in mind that treating this menace is not a DIY project; you must of necessity work with experts for desired results.
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