Dangers of Termites

Termites oftentimes end up costing homeowners tens-of-thousands of dollars in damages. Which compromises your home’s structural integrity. Studies have shown that termites infest more than 500,000 homes in the United States. This termite infestation costs 5 billion dollars in damages annually. These critters aren’t like ants, openly visible. They hide in your walls or beneath the floorboards of your home. This is extremely hard to detect. Many homeowners will have a termite infestation for years without their knowledge and when they finally realize they have an infection, the damage to the home is oftentimes beyond repair.

Mold

There are many other health concerns related to termites, including mold. Termites are known to attract mold. The termites live in damp, humid conditions, which is exactly where mold tends to grow. As they crawl and chew through the wood in your home, they will spread mold wherever they go. Termite infestations are often found inside the ceiling, walls, or attic. Which is also a perfect place for mold to grow. Most mold is a simple fungus that can cause headaches, coughing, sore throat, and lead to histoplasmosis. Airborne infections will result in having to be hospitalized. Certain mold spores are known to release toxic compounds, which may result in neurological problems and memory loss.

Termite Bites and Droppings

Termite droppings are not toxic to humans. They are not eggs.  If you come in contact with them, they are a sign you have a current infestation. I would sweep away the pile of droppings you have found and watch how fast new pellets appear. Drywood termites pump pellets out of the colony before a swarm. During swarms flying termites exit the colony. If you were ever going to be bitten by a termite it would be during a swarm. If you are witnessing a termite swarm stay back and call us immediately. Termites are not known to attack humans but like anything with mandibles, if it thinks you are going to hurt it, it will attack.

 

What are Termites?

A termite colony can inflict serious structural damage to a person’s home in a very short period of time, which is why they’re often referred to as “silent destroyers.” Termites will usually begin to appear as they come out of the colony and search for new hospitable habitats nearby. In order to protect your home against termites, it’s helpful to know the difference between the different types of termites. What Do Termites Look Like? Does a Subterranean Termite look like an Ant? What Does a Drywood Termite look like?

There are nearly 2000 different species of termites in the world, but only 50 of which are found within the United States. Not every type of termite is destructive to homes, but the ones that are usually will fall into one of 3 main categories, which include:

• Dampwood Termites

• Drywood Termites

• Subterranean Termites

All termites are eusocial insects that belong to the plylum Arthropoda, the order Isoptera, and the class Insecta. Although their characteristics may vary, most of which will still look very similar to each other and be difficult to tell apart. Termites will typically measure ½ of an inch in diameter, with soft bodies, and straight antennas, but the queens are significantly larger and are capable of growing to over an inch long. Their colors may range from white to light brown; while a swarm may appear to be darker brown or black in color. Some termites, such as flying termites, which are also referred to as reproductive’s will have two distinguishable sets of wings.

Dampwood Termites

Dampwood termites, which belong to the Kalotermitidae and Hedotermitidae families, will often infest wood that has high amounts of moisture. They will usually infest decks, patios, or other outside structures. They do not require soil and are found infesting decaying wood or woodpiles. Dampwood Termites have brownish red bodies and tend to be larger than other termites.

There are 4 sub-species of Dampwood Termites, which include:

• Florida Dampwood

Located Within: the Florida Keys

• Desert Dampwood

Located Within: Texas, New Mexico, California, Arizona

• Nevada Dampwood

Located Within: Nevada, Idaho, Montana

• Pacific Dampwood

Located Within: California, Oregon, Washington

Drywood Termites

There are Drywood Termites, which belong to the Kalotermitidae family. They are found in wood, such as trees, timber, doorframes, furniture, and hardwood floors. Unlike Dampwood termites, they do not require moisture from soil in order to survive and oftentimes will create multiple smaller colonies in your home, which can be difficult to treat. They have the ability to survive harsher conditions and cooler climates.

There are 3 sub-species of Drywood Termites, which include:

• Western Drywood

Located Within: Arizona, California

• Desert Drywood

Located Within: Arizona, Southeastern California

• Southeastern Drywood

Located Within: South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, Louisiana

Subterranean Termites

Subterranean Termites are the most common type of termite. Only Alaska is immune to termites. They live in underground colonies or in moist areas above the surface. Each colony contains 1 million members. Subterranean Termites are the most destructive type of termite, due to the size of its colony. The swarming subterranean termites have dark black bodies and fly from mud tubes. The queen is underground while the workers use the mud tunnels like a freeway. Up to get the wood from your home and then back down the mud tubes to feed the queen, flying termites and soldiers. When Subterranean termites are found, pounds and pounds of dirt are found within the wall voids. Free dirt insulation courtesy of subterranean termites

There are 6 sub-species of Subterranean Termites, which include:

• Western Subterranean

Located Within: Oregon, Washington, California, Nevada, and Idaho

• Eastern Subterranean

Located Within: Southwest, East Coast, New England, and the Midwest

• Formosan

Located Within: Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Hawaii, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Tennessee, North and South Carolina

• Arid Land Subterranean

Located Within: Southwest, West Coast, Midwest, Rocky Mountain States, and the South

• Dark Southeastern Subterranean

Located Within: New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, Virginia, North and South Carolina

• Desert

Located Within: Southern Arizona and Southeastern California

Signs of Termites

Termites have the ability to destroy homes before being found. They oftentimes will burrow deep beneath your floor or live in wooden structures and will feed on any piece of wood inside or around the home, which is why it’s important to spot the signs of an infestation early on to prevent these pesky critters from damaging your home. If you believe your home has a termite infestation, you should search for pest control near me and locate a nearby professional exterminator who can fix the problem.

Benefits of Hiring an Exterminator

When it comes to pest control, it’s important to leave the work to the professionals. Hire us, we have years of experience when it comes to termites. Some of our customer’s reviews go a little like this:

“When I accepted the fact that I had a termite infestation. I went out and found a company who ranks as one of the best termite companies near me. I am located in the Los Angeles area and wanted over 70 years of experience. So if you suspect you may have a termite infestation, you should pick up the phone and call them immediately.”

Here are the benefits of hiring a professional exterminator.

Fewer Pesticides

We specialize in Organic Pest Control and IPM. We are trying our hardest to NOT use Pesticides on your property. The goal of the company is to rid your home of pests, not douse it in chemical poisons. We hope to achieve a level of control on your property in which we maintain an environment not suitable for pest reproduction. We can protect everything you care about while using low impact materials. We have several naturally derived options to choose from. The options on the pest control side are even more abundant.

Ensure your Family’s Health

When hiring an exterminator, pick a good one.  Many of the animals they trap carry a variety of different diseases. Rats especially can pose health risks. Pesticides are just as dangerous as insect and animal bites, which can harm and hinder your health. Make sure your exterminator has the proper training to protect your home. Having yahoos running around your home pretending to know what their doing can injure your family. Some companies simply do not know what they are doing. I have seen it in their reviews, I have talked to their previous customers. Skip the headache and allow me to service your home.

Saves Time and Money

Termites can be extremely hard to get rid of without hiring a professional. Many homeowners will try the DIY approach, buying expensive pesticides and other dangerous chemicals with little to no avail. This can end up costing you hundreds of dollars and be extremely time-consuming. Instead, it’s always better to hire a professional who will use the safest and most effective approach to eliminate those pesky critters.

I know that my time is valuable. My children are getting older and I would rather be spending my time with them rather than installing fascia board. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy hanging fascia but if you’re like me sometimes it’s easier to let a pro do it. I have been doing this for over twenty years. We are fully licensed, bonded and insured. Treebark will show up on time, work our butts off and make your home beautiful. If you stay with me, over the years you will see the value my service provides.

My Final Plea

We are a small business. The value we provide over the national brands is we are family owned and locally operated. If something goes wrong, and 0.01% of the time it does you would be dealing directly with an owner whose entire livelihood hands on your review. Ever been mad at Bank of America? Good luck changing anything in that company. Well, the value of the small business is that we are nimble and can provide that extra accountability or that extra personal touch like remembering your name. We would be extremely grateful to compete for your project and business. The opportunity alone we take pride in. Thank you for reading our website and giving us the opportunity to compete for your business. I hope that you pick up the phone and call us. Thank you for your time.

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