Did you know that termites are actually beneficial pests? It’s true. Without pests like termites, fallen trees and other organic materials out in nature would not be able to decompose in the same way. The truth is, termites only become a problem when they start breaking down our homes, eating them from the inside out. Sure, termites eating your home could be good for nature, but it by no means helps you in any way.
What Are Termites?
Often called white ants, termites are social insects that live in colonies. Depending on the species, these colonies can exist below ground in a series of tunnels, above ground in mounds constructed from dirt, or within a structure of wood that is being eaten. Within each colony, termites are split into castes consisting of workers, soldiers, nymphs, and kings and queens (also known as reproductives).
Each type has its own important role to play for the betterment of the colony. Soldiers are in charge of protecting the colony from invaders and foreign threats. Nymphs help with egg production and assist kings and queens. Kings and queens are tasked with reproduction to grow the colony. Scouts, otherwise known as termite swarmers are born with wings and have the singular job of finding new locations to build nests.
In case you didn't notice, we skipped one caste, termite workers. We did this on purpose. Making up the majority of the colony, workers are the main threat to homes. These termites are the ones that eat their way into homes and destroy them from the inside out. With the food gathered, they feed their colony, allowing it to grow in numbers. Once at full capacity, it is not uncommon for a colony to split and start eating a home from several sides. This doubles the amount of damage termites can do and can mean big trouble for a home.
Are Termites Dangerous?
Apart from letting them eat your home until it collapses, termites are harmless to humans. They are not known for spreading any diseases, and it is extremely unlikely one will ever bite you. The worst you can expect from termites is an increase in asthma symptoms or allergic reactions to the dust created by termite nests.
What Are The Signs Of Termites In Your Home?
Identifying a termite infestation can feel like finding a needle in a haystack, if the needle was tiny insects and the haystack was the entirety of your home’s structural wood. Termites can go unnoticed in homes for months and sometimes years. Often, it is only once the damage they are doing becomes noticeable and severe that their presence becomes clear to homeowners. Trust us when we tell you, you don’t want to wait until your walls are buckling, floors are sagging, and wallpaper is bubbling before you notice termites. The only real early sign of a termite infestation is mud tubes running up your exterior foundation. These tubes are used by subterranean termites to stay moist while climbing to the wood of your home. But these tubes are often built in hidden locations such as inside crawl spaces.
Our Top 6 Suggestions To Make Your Home Less Attractive To Termites
- Make sure your gutters are in good working order.
- Remove clutter from your yard, especially cardboard and other paper or wood materials.
- Fix leaks in and around your home and make sure no sources of water are negatively affecting your home’s structural wood.
- Create a barrier between your home’s wood and exterior soil.
- Use a caulking gun to fill in gaps and cracks in your home’s exterior foundation.
- Keep mulch at least 20 ft from your home’s exterior.
How To Deal With Termites
If you are curious to find out if your Longview home has a termite problem, or would like to protect it from future invasions, we can help you here at Pest-Pro Services, Inc. Our pest technicians have been trained to spot termite infestations early so that you can address problems before the damage becomes irreparable. With many options to choose from, you can be certain your solution lies with us. For a free termite inspection, or to ask about our service plans, reach out to us today.