Termites
What are termites?
Termites are social insects that live together in large colonies. Their labor is divided throughout three different groups, or castes, consisting of workers, soldiers, and reproductives (winged swarmers); worker termites make up almost 90% of the entire colony. The eastern subterranean termite is the most common ground-nesting species of termites found damaging properties across the United States, including northeastern Texas. Eastern subterranean termites live in moist soil close to their food sources.
Outside, termites help speed up the process of breaking down decaying wood and organic materials by feeding on it. They are one of the few insects that can consume cellulose as a food source. However, when termites find their way inside Dallas homes and other buildings to feed, they turn from helpful to destructive. Termites are responsible for causing over five billion dollars in damage to structures all throughout the United States every year.
Are termites dangerous?
Termites are dangerous – not because they cause any physical harm to people but because they create significant structural damage inside homes and other buildings. Eastern subterranean termites are known as silent invaders because they enter homes unnoticed and may stay for months or even years before they are discovered, eating away at the structure. Additionally, termite damage is not something that is usually covered by homeowners insurance, making the damages very costly to repair.
Why do I have a termite problem?
Termites build underground nests; workers tunnel through the soil or build mud tubes above ground in order to forage for food. Typical food sources include leaves, wood, and other organic materials made up of cellulose. As the termites forage for food, they often accidentally get inside your property through gaps in the foundation or climb up items that have wood-to-soil contact such as deck stairs, wooden shingles, or wood trim. Another reason you could be dealing with termites on your property or in your home is a termite swarm. Termite swarms occur when the reproductive members leave a mature termite colony to mate and start a new colony. Winged reproductive termites are attracted to light and they swarm around doors and windows, often finding their way inside through openings in the exterior of your Frisco area property.
Where will I find termites?
Termites are found in their underground nest, inside the wood they are feeding on, or in mud tubes that they use to travel back and forth from their nest to a food source. Termites do not nest in the wood they are feeding on. When they invade a home or commercial property, they usually feed in hard-to-reach areas like wooden beams above ceilings, below floors, and behind walls. They are often initially attracted to water-damaged wood; over time, they will begin to feed on sound wood and even non-wooden items.
How do I get rid of termites?
The best way to eliminate termites from your northeastern Texas property is to partner with a local pest control expert. At Addison Pest Control Of Texas, we are committed to providing each of our customers with superior pest control services to meet their individual needs. Our experienced and knowledgeable technicians always perform the most advanced, effective termite control and prevention services. To learn more about ridding your home or business of termites, contact Addison Pest today!
How can I prevent termites in the future?
The following tips can help you to protect your Dallas Metropolitan area home or business from becoming overrun with termites:
- Leave a barrier of stone or rock between any grass or mulch and the foundation of your property.
- Remove any water-damaged wood from your home or business.
- Place weather stripping around doors and windows.
- Seal up openings in the foundation, exterior walls, and roofline of your home or business.
- Use dehumidifiers, fix leaky pipes, and maintain downspouts and gutters to reduce moisture levels in and around your property.
