Have you ever played a game of telephone? It can be quite funny to see what the message started and what it eventually becomes as it goes from one ear to another ear. The same phenomenon happens in real life as well. People are told a “fact” about something and then they instantly tell their friends. Their friends take what they heard and pass it on but not always correctly. This is one way that myths can be created. Sometimes people are passing on what they heard correctly but the information they received was not accurate. There are many myths that have developed over the years about termites. Unfortunately most people do not know what is a myth and what is a fact when it comes to termites. Termites are not something that very many people really take the time to research. Today A Five Star Termite & Pest Control is going to share some actual facts with you about termites so that we can put some of the myths to rest.
Myth #1: Are Termites Part of the Ant Family?
Termites are frequently mistaken as members of the ant family. They do have some characteristics that are similar but they actually belong to entirely different insect groups. Termites belong to Order Isoptera while ants belong to the Order Hymenoptera. Their lifestyles are not the same either.
Myth #2: Is it Easy to Detect a Termite Infestation
Most people have only ever heard of the extreme cases of termite infestation. They faultily believe that their termite infestation will be easy to catch after they hear stories from other people. Unfortunately for homeowners termites infest your house slowly and silently. Most of the time thousands of dollars in damages have already occurred before you know that you have an infestation. They enter your home through small crevices and cracks and hide in areas where you cannot see them.
Myth #3: Can Termites Eat Concrete?
Termites are known for their ability to eat through all sorts of different things. Many people mistakenly believe that this includes concrete. Termites can come into your house through cracks in the concrete but they are not actually strong enough to eat through it.
Myth #4: Will I Get Termites if My house was Built on a Concrete Slab?
If myth #3 didn’t get you myth #4 might. If you know that termites are not able to eat through concrete many people then assume that if their house is built on a concrete slab they are safe from termites. As mentioned above termites can enter your home through the cracks and crevices in your concrete. Once they are inside your home there is plenty of wood and other items for them to eat.
Myth #5: Will Termites Come into My Home if I Live By Lots of Trees & Decaying Wood?
Since termites eat wood and mulch many people believe that if they live in an area with lots of trees that the termites will choose to live in the trees instead of come into their homes. The truth is that termites are always looking for a new place to grow their colony and would be happy to come into your home to do so.
Termite Pest Inspections, Control, Removal Treatment & More in Canyon Lake, Spring Branch, Bulverde, Timberwood Park, Leon Valley, Alamo Heights, New Braunfels, Selma, Live Oak, Converse, Universal City, Cibolo, Seguin, New Berlin, St Hedwig, Adkins, La Vernia, Elmendorf, Losoya, Von Ormy, Macdona & San Antonio, Texas
We hope that we busted at least one or two termite myths for you today. Remember that if you believe there are termites in your home trying to get rid of termites on your own is just not a great option. You will want to call us here at A Five Star Termite & Pest Control today. We can conduct a thorough termite inspection and customize an effective termite control program.
