What are termites?
Termites are wood eaters and can be very destructive to our properties. Despite worker termites only being about the size of a grain of rice, when they work together, they can cause billions of dollars in damages across the country every year. While termites can sometimes cause damage to living trees and plants, they mostly feed on wood and plants that are water-damaged or in some state of decay.
One of the most widespread types of termites living across the country is the subterranean termite; an example of a subterranean termite is the Formosan termite. Formosan termites live in large colonies with several million members. The sheer size of their colonies allows them to be very destructive in a shorter period than other species of termites. Formosan termites are known for their aggressive feeding habits and ability to chew through floors, walls, and more without detection.
Are termites dangerous?
Termites are dangerous, not because they pose any health risks to people, but because they can cause damage to our properties. Subterranean termites like Formosan termites are most attracted to water-damaged or decaying pieces of wood. The presence of termites feeding on your home’s structural wood may be an indicator of an underlying moisture problem.
The large colony size and the aggressive nature of Formosan termites make them difficult to prevent and control. Termites are active year-round and work round the clock to feed their colony. If not stopped, the damage they can cause becomes extensive and expensive to repair, especially because homeowners’ insurance typically doesn’t cover the cost of repairs.
Why do I have a termite problem?
Subterranean termites often find their way into homes and other buildings at the ground level. They move inside through cracks in the foundation as they travel through the soil. They also move inside through pieces of wood on homes that are making direct contact with the ground.
Formosan termites differ from other subterranean termites in the fact that they also can enter into buildings above the ground or aerially. Creating carton nests allows Formosan termites to nest above the ground while still maintaining their strict moisture needs. These termites often place their carton nests on the rooftops of buildings, especially buildings with flat roofs.
Where will I find termites?
You often don’t find a termite infestation until the damage is done. Sometimes, though, you’ll see a potential termite infestation coming if you see a swarm of termites in the spring. The spring season is when winged termites “swarm” or fly from their nest in large numbers to find a mate and create a new colony. If you notice winged termites around your home, a termite nest is most likely near. Inside homes, termites feed on structural wood located behind walls and below floors. Over time, they will also move up the walls of a building and invade the structural wood above ceilings.
How do I get rid of termites?
Get rid of termites from your residential or commercial property with the help of the local experts at All Star Pest Control. We will eliminate termites and other pests from your home or business and provide the follow-up services needed to prevent them from returning. We work closely with our customers to ensure that we meet all their pest control needs.
All Star Pest Control offers exceptional termite control services using the most modern technology and products available. If you are ready to protect your Omaha, Nebraska home or business from termites, reach out to All Star Pest Control today. Our results are guaranteed!
How can I prevent termites in the future?
The best way to prevent future problems with termites is to partner with the professionals at All Star Pest Control. It is also important to implement the following prevention tips:
- One of the biggest steps you can take to deter termite activity is to fix leaky pipes or clogged gutters that will allow water to pool around your home’s foundation.
- If possible, get rid of all wood to soil contact on your property.
- Clean up your yard and remove piles of leaves, fallen trees, and tree stumps that may attract hungry termites.
- Take the opportunity to inspect the foundation of your house, sealing any spaces you find.
- Repair any roof damage by replacing loose or missing roof shingles.
- Use dehumidifiers to keep basement areas dry.
- If any wood in your home becomes water-damaged, replace it.
- Create a 12 to 18-inch barrier between the soil or mulch and your foundation.
- Schedule a regular termite inspection for your home.