Termites have been a menace on the human race since humans began building homes and furniture with wooden materials. Causing residential and commercial property owners billions of dollars a year in the US alone, termites are nothing you want in your home or business. But despite their consumption of wood and causing extensive damage to structure, most people know little about them. We at A Five Star Termite and Pest Control have compiled a list of the most common frequently asked questions and answered them.
Termite FAQ; What Types of Termites Are There & More
Q: What do I do if I suspect the presence of termites?
Most species common in Texas will slowly destroy your home, so relax, but the longer your delay the more damage will be done. Contact a termite specialist, as not all pest control companies take care of termites. An inspection is done by the specialists to confirm their presence. If they are noted in the area; a further inspection is made to determine the extent of the damage and the volume of the colony.
Q: Where do termites live?
Depending on the classification of the termite, subterranean termites, most common in Texas, live in the soil just outside a home in underground nests. These termites depend on soil to survive and will even bring soil into the galleries carved in the wood they consume. They depend on cellulose or wood to survive and as social insects their colony is never too far away from a food source. The Drywood termites, another common class in the area, do not require the moisture in soil to live and will live in the wood they infest until resources are exhausted and they move on to another supply.
Q: What are the differences between Drywood and Subterranean Termites?
As previously mentioned, subterranean termites depend on the soil for survival, needing the moisture whereas Drywood termites, more common in Houston and Corpus Christi live directly inside the wooden materials of homes and businesses, not depending on soil at all. Other than that distinction, they are very similar.
Q: How destructive are termites really?
More damage is caused by termites than tornadoes, windstorms, and hurricanes combined. Referencing back to the introduction, termites cost the US billions of dollars annually. As they slowly nibble away from the inside of wood, their damage often goes unnoticed for quite some time. More often than not, termites have been feasting on structure for 15-50 years of their lifespan, as queens can reproduce for up to 50 years. If left undetected and untreated, throughout the course of time, termites can destroy a home.
Q: Don’t termites only infest old, rundown buildings?
Any building is susceptible; there have been documented cases where termites have assaulted a home after only four days of construction. Many termites prefer soft, decayed wood but any home or business can be infested with termites.
Q: What kinds of termites are there?
Over 2,000 species have been identified in the world and 55 of them are in the United States. But Texas locals should only encounter subterranean termites or Drywood termites.
Q: How do I know if there is a termite problem in my home?
Usually in the spring, swarmers, or the reproducing termites will leave the colony to begin a new one. These termites have wings but will shed them after they have found a destination. Additional signs are from subterranean termites that construct the mud tubes to reach the prize at the end, as they need the soil to survive. Blistered wood, weak timber, and soils found in cracked wood indicate their presence. A pile of waste, which resembles sawdust, or shed wings, is another sign of their presence.
Termite Inspections, Control, Treatment, Removal & More in Cibolo, Universal City, New Braunfels, Alamo Heights & San Antonio, Texas
We hoped we answered your question, but if not please feel welcome to call A Five Star Termite and Pest Control and we will happily answer your questions.
