THE TERMITE                                                                                

HEALTH THREAT: Minimal to none.

PROPERTY THREAT: Termites cause more than 2 billion dollars in property damages every year. What makes termites so dangerous is that their presence can only be determined by a professional, and while they go undetected, their numbers can grow by the thousands each day.

 

Protect Your Biggest Investment-Your Home

          Signs of a termite infestation usually do not occur until the infestation has reached a severe level. To minimize damage, make sure to call us for a free inspection and estimate when you notice any of the following warning signs:

          Termite Warning Signs

          A short lived swarm of winged insects in your home or originating from soil near your home

          Cracked or bubbling paint

          Termite droppings

          Wood that sounds hollow when tapped.

          Mud tubes on exterior walls, wooden beams or in crawl spaces

          Discarded termite wings, similar to clear fish scales

          Sagging walls, similar to one might see from water damage

 

          What Attracts Termites:

          Moisture

                   Water leakage from faulty sprinklers

                   Leaks in plumbing or roofs

                   Condensation beneath your house

                   Poor drainage

          Food Source

                   Wood house framing

                   Debris in crawl spaces

                   Firewood piles

                   Wet wood

          Temperature

                    Controlled temperatures from heating and air conditioning systems

          create a comfortable environment for termites and rodents to thrive all year round.

          Access Points

                    Cracks and holes, provide termites and all other pests their own personal entryway

          into your home. Termites and pests can also be delivered right to your home through

          packages packaging and furniture.

         

MOST COMMON TYPES OF TERMITES

Subterranean Termites 

          Subterranean termites are the biggest insect threat to wood in the United States, causing more property damage than fires and windstorms combined. These termites feed on wood and items containing cellulose such as paper, fiberboard, and even certain fabrics made from cotton or plant fibers. Subterranean termites are named for their need for moisture and are often found in moist soil or wet wood.

 

Formosan Subterranean Termites

          Formosan termites are the worst of the subterranean termite family. Formosan termites differ from regular subterranean termites by their noticeably larger size. These pests not only eat wood, but can chew through electrical cords, causing blackouts. 

         Traits of a Subterranean and Formosan Termite

         Length: Subterranean termites are 1/4-inch long, Formosan subterranean Termites are larger

         Color: Both are light-colored

         Wings: wingless or have very short, nonfunctional wings.

         Head: elongated

 

Drywood Termites

          Unlike subterranean termites who need moisture, Drywood termite thrive in dry areas, specifically inside wood above ground level. Popular places to find Drywood termites include fences, utility posts, furniture, moldings and door and window frames. While Drywood termites are not as destructive as subterranean termites, they can be easily transported in wooden articles and start infestations anywhere.

Warning sign of a Drywood Termite infestation

         Fecal pellets

                  Shape: Distinct ridged shape

                  Size: 1/25 inch long, similar to the size of a grain of table salt  

Traits of a Drywood Termite

         Length: Larger than subterranean termites, up to one-half inch long

         Color: Light-colored

         Wings: Wingless, or have very short, nonfunctional wings

         Heads: Elongated