Termite Identification Guide Across the Mid West and East Coast

What are termites?

Most species of subterranean termites are native to North America and are the most widespread of the species living across the United States. Each year subterranean termites are responsible for much of the termite damage caused. Termites feed on cellulose in wood and other plant materials.

An infestation of these wood-eating pests is hard to identify. Termites nest under the ground and spend their time in the wood they are feeding on. Termites can feed on and cause damage to a home or other structure for months or years without notice.

Termites feed on cellulose in wood and other plant matter, preferring decaying or water-damaged wood. The members of a subterranean termite colony divide their members into different groups or “castes.” Workers, soldiers, and reproductives (kings and queens) make up a termite colony, and all work together to ensure its success.

Are termites dangerous?

The damage termites can cause, and the cost of those repairs makes termites dangerous pests. Most home and business insurance policies don’t cover termite damage, so repairing the damage is completely left up to the home or business owner.

While termites damage our structures, when living outside in forested areas they are an important part of the Eco-system. Termites help break down decaying trees and plant matter, putting nutrients back into the earth, encouraging new plant growth.

Why do I have a termite problem?

If you have the two main things on your property that termites are looking for, it is susceptible to a termite infestation. A termite infestation will pop-up on any property or in any home, offering plenty of moisture and food sources like wood, brush piles, and other plant materials.

Termites travel from the nest to a food source each day. As the workers are out and about looking for food, they find their way inside homes and other buildings via cracks in the foundation or through pieces of wood, making direct contact with the ground.

Where will I find termites in AL, GA, FL, KY, MA, OK, TN, or TX?

Once termites move inside a home, they typically travel through the concrete foundation and into wood floor joists, eventually making their way into structural wood located behind walls and under floors. Termites also invade wood framing around windows and doors. As an infestation develops, termites move up the walls and eventually begin feeding on beams located above ceilings. Termites are most attracted to wood damaged by water.

Termites can also cause damage to wooden structures located outside in our yards as well. Wooden play structures, wooden furniture, wood fences, and trees are potential feeding grounds for termites.

How do I get rid of termites?

Urbanex is the best choice to get rid of termites from your property. We offer our customers peace of mind knowing that problems with nuisance or dangerous pests will be solved and they won’t return. At Urbanex, we offer modern and effective pest control services that provide maximum results. To learn why so many home and business owners trust us with their pest control needs, reach out to us today!

How can I prevent termites in the future?

Prevent problems in the future with termites with the help of the experts at Urbanex. In addition, use the following termite prevention tips:

• Eliminate food sources. Get rid of leaf piles, decaying wood mulch, fallen trees, and tree stumps from your yard.
• Moisture attracts termites and other pests. Eliminate areas of standing water near your home, fix leaky pipes and fixtures.
• Cut back shrubs from the outside of your home to help the sun dry out the soil around the foundation.
• Create a crushed rock barrier of at least 12-18 inches between the foundation and any soil or mulch.
• Fix low-lying areas in your yard that allow water to pool.
• Make sure gutters and downspouts are directing water away from the outside of your house.
• Lower humidity levels in your home by using dehumidifiers and air conditioners.
• Repair any cracks or crevices in your foundation.
• Get rid of soil to wood contact on or near your home.
• Remove old or decaying wooden structures from your property like fences, playsets, and decks.