Termites are known as silent destroyers as they can live and eat away the wood inside of walls, floors, and other structures while staying undetected. Learn more about these pests today.
Understanding Termites
Termites (active in warm and humid climates) are typically difficult to detect until significant damage has already been done. Due to the damage that termites can cause to a building’s structural integrity, it can lead to costly repairs if left untreated. Each termite species has its own unique characteristics and behavior. The common ones include:
- Formosan termites: These termites are a subspecies of subterranean termites and are known for their large colonies and ability to consume a large amount of wood quickly. They are found in the southern United States, particularly in coastal areas.
- Subterranean termites: These termites live in underground colonies and build mud tubes to travel to the wood they are consuming. They can cause extensive damage to homes and other structures, as they can consume wood quickly.
- Drywood termites: These termites live inside the wood they are consuming, and they do not need contact with the soil. They can be found in the attic, walls, and other wooden structures of a home.
- Dampwood termites: These termites live in moist wood and are commonly found in rotting or water-damaged wood, such as in attics, crawl spaces, or near leaks in the home. They are found in the coastal areas and in the Pacific Northwest of the U.S.
It is important to keep your property in good shape, eliminate sources of moisture, and maintain proper ventilation.
Signs of a Termite Infestation
- Small, pencil-sized holes in wood, which can indicate termites have bored into the wood.
- Mud tubes, which are small, pencil-sized tubes made of dirt and saliva, that termites use to travel between their colony and the wood they are consuming.
- Swarms of winged termites, especially in the spring, can indicate a mature colony nearby.
- Discarded wings from swarmers found near windows or doorways.
- Hollow or damaged wood, which can be caused by termites eating away the interior.
- Frass, which is a sawdust-like material that termites produce as they tunnel through wood.
Schwartz Exterminating Can Help Get Rid of Termites in Your Property
At Schwartz Exterminating, our experienced pest control team can conduct thorough inspections of our customers’ properties and identify potential entry points and areas where pests are active. From baits and traps to pesticides and other humane control methods, our pest control company can deal with any infestations and help you maintain a pest-free environment.
