Research suggests that termites have existed in the world for more than 100 million years. Termites are “ant-like” insects that quietly consume wood, which is problematic when this occurs in your home. In natural, outdoor environments, termites benefit the environment by hastening the decomposition process of wood so that many nutrients reenter the soil.
The most common types of termites in this region are subterranean termites, meaning that they form underground nests. As largely social insects, termites form massive colonies of members, which contains certain castes or groups. For example, members of the working group spend their time sourcing food while the group of soldiers defends the colony.
Each year in the U.S., termites cause several billion dollars of property damage.
Does insurance cover termite damage? Homeowner’s insurance provides some protection in case of theft, accidents, and other catastrophes. The typical policy will cover the structure, personal belongings, liability, and more. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), most basic policies exclude coverage for damage related to floods, earthquakes, sewer backups, mold, or termites.
Do you recognize some indications that suggest the presence of termites? Many property owners mistakenly purchase sprays, powders, traps, and other do-it-yourself products sold by retailers that generally prove ineffective. Keep in mind that termites often will infest and erode wooden areas of a home for weeks or months before detection; therefore, substantial costly property damage may already exist.
In most cases, seeking professional assistance from a pest controller is the best option. A licensed Salt Lake City pest control professional understands the behavior of the different kinds of termites found in this region and the best means of identifying and eliminating these unwanted pests.
The Life Cycle Of Common Termites
During the spring months, winged termites responsible for reproduction will gather in large “swarms” as the mating process begins. Male and female termites then mate and venture off, searching for a site to create a new colony. Termites start as an egg, which soon will hatch, and then they exist as nymphs before reaching adulthood.
How long do termites live? In colder regions, most termites die during the winter. Workers and soldiers usually live for one or two years; however, queens may live for more than a decade.
Many individuals misidentify or make inaccurate assumptions regarding the differences between termites and carpenter ants. Unlike termites that consume wood, carpenter ants only burrow through wooden structures to form nests. While subterranean termites usually appear off-white, tan, or brown, carpenter ants are generally red or a reddish-black color. Both creatures have some winged colony members that congregate in swarms.
Why Termites Infest And Destroy Wooden Structures
Data from the Plant Pest Diagnostic Laboratory at Utah State University explains that termites are unique creatures that consume wood and use gut protozoa to digest the cellulose found in wood and similar materials.
Are termites dangerous creatures? Although termites possess strong jaws that could bite humans or pets, incidents are rare. Also, termites are not known for carrying and spreading diseases. As with a bite from most pests, a possibility exists for secondary infection.
Factors That Can Attract Termites To Your Home
What are termites attracted to generally? Some of the property conditions that will likely attract termites include:
- Properties with fallen trees, stumps, or other types of vegetation often attract termites.
- Termites prefer water-damaged wood.
- Subterranean termites build below-ground nests that allow easy access through the soil toward sources of wood; therefore, wooden parts of a structure should not directly contact the soil.
Many people considering how to stop termites have success using a comprehensive approach that involves limiting conditions that attract termites and implementing exclusionary measures that might physically prevent termites from attacking the structure.
Professional Termite Control Offers Lasting Protection For Your Home
The experienced service team with Pest Pro Pest Control knows how to remove termites quickly and will explain the best ways how to keep termites away from your property. Contact our office today for a consultation.