There are three major types of termites that live in the US: drywood; subterranean (ground); and Formosan. The most common types of termites found in the U.S. are the drywood and subterranean species. These termites survive by consuming cellulose, which is found in wood.
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Posts tagged ‘termite infestations’
Different Types of Termites in the United States
How to Prevent Termite Damage
Termite infestations are normally difficult to detect, exterminate and may cause lot of damage to any type of houses. As with many other problems and diseases the best method to combat termites is to prevent them from infecting the house in the first place. House structural termite damage left unchecked can mean thousands of dollars in repairs. Unfortunately, most homeowner insurance coverage does not include termite damage repair.
Although termites are sometimes referred to as a white ant, they are more closely related to cockroaches and the praying mantis. Their primary food source is wood. In order to know how to prevent a termite infestation, it is good to know about the way termites operate and live. The types of termites found in the US are usually subterranean termites. There are also other kinds of termites such as drywood termites but those other types are not as common and do not cause as much damage as subterranean termites.
Subterranean termites, as indicated by their name live underground in nests. These nests are usually situated five to six feet under the ground though sometimes they also nest above ground as well. The individual worker termites, about one eight of an inch long in length, travel or tunnel hundreds of feet in search of food usually on the surface of the soil to carry back to the nest. Some of their favorite foods include wood, paper and other substances, used by humans in building construction and in variety of household items. Damage caused by the termites by eating into these substances may take a long time to appear as they only consume tiny amounts of food. But through the gradual accumulation of damages, it can be quite substantial. Wood for instance will gradually hollow out even though no external sign is detected. Damage can be extensive if the nest is situated inside the house.
Termites require lots of water to survive and one of the methods of detecting them is through the observation of tiny mud tubes on the soil that transfer water to their nests. Other sign of detection is when the swarming occurs. In spring or summer thousands of winged termites will emerge and try to fly way to establish new nests. This will only last few hours and most of them will die and will not do any physical harm.
If you suspect that a termite infestation of your house is a possibility, the best method of prevention is to create an unsurpassable barrier between the nest and your house for worker termites. This is usually done by chemically treating the soil around and below the house. Two broad types of liquid chemicals known as termiticides can be used for this purpose. Repellents prevent the foraging termites from entering the treated soil, while non repellent chemicals kill the termites entering the treated soil. Once the barrier is established the foragers will not be able access food in the house and if a few of them have already reached the house before the treatment, they will not be able to return and will die.
However in order to be effective, the preventive treatment method has to be comprehensive and cover all the soil in contact with the house. The house owner aiming for an effective prevention should not stop at spot treating a patch of soil that may show signs of termites. Foraging termites will find ways around the treated spots easily.
Another factor to keep in mind is that most chemicals used today are effective only for up to about three to seven years. Older chemicals known to be effective in preventing termites up to twenty years were banned to protect the ground water from contamination. While chemically treating soil comprehensively every few years can be expensive, it will also be an effective preventive method and will save money on the long run by safeguarding the investment in the house.
These preventive treatments are best carried out by professionals. They will not only be able to advice and carry out the treatment more competently and use the required specialized equipment and experience but will also carry out periodic inspections. Most such professional termite control firms will also give a guarantee as well.
Early Signs of Termites Infestation
Although nobody wants to have termites in their home, the fact is, almost all of us are at risk for termites. They can destroy your home if you don’t know the early signs of termites. Termites play an important part in the ecosystem, but in our homes, they are considered destructive.
Unfortunately, homeowners normally don’t know they have termites until after a great deal of damage occurs. Having some knowledge about the early signs of termites can help protect your home and catch this problem before it escalates. Termites will do more damage to a wood structure in a small amount of time; therefore, knowing some things to watch for helps you stop this infestation before a serious problem occurs.
Because not all termite infestations are visible, detecting the annoying wood eaters may require a little time and a careful eye. They live and feed in your walls, under your floors and other areas of your home, even your furniture depending on what type of termites you may have. Checking for mud holes and feces piles helps in determining if you have termites.
Detecting early signs of termites requires checking the areas where termites would feed. Checking outside in the garden would show signs in dead leaves, tree stumps and the soil for mud holes. Check, for entranceway into your walls by way of the siding, may sure you have know cracks or spaces for termites to enter.
Check windowsills, basement walls, moldings and door frames for any sign of feeding activity. These outside areas are crucial and require proper inspection. If you notice any early signs of termites, contact a professional exterminator or do it yourself if you have the proper equipment. The main goal is early detection for prevent serious problems of termites.
By doing monthly checks of your home, you can prevent termite infestations that will cost you more money, not only for the exterminating process, but you may have to replace areas of your home that have received severe damage and become structurally unstable. Knowing the early signs of termites helps homeowners detect, protect and prevent total devastation that this pest can cause if allowed to feed on your home or building. Always remember to check your outside wood furniture and the wood decking as well as the hot tub surrounding.
