Termite Identification & Prevention

Termites are small insects that belong to the order of Blattodea and the infraorder Isoptera. Termites are known for their eusocial activities, which include creating colonies with different social organizations. Termites divide their colonies into workers, reproductives (swarmers), and soldiers. Most termites appear the same and will grow between one-eighth of an inch and an inch long. They are tan or light brown.

While there are many different termite species around, the Eastern subterranean termite is one of the most destructive to human structures and should be dealt with by professionals if you want to stop them from ruining your property.

Termites are not dangerous in that they don’t spread diseases or pathogens around your property, but they are incredibly dangerous to the wooden areas of your property. Once these pests invade internal wooden structures, they constantly chew away, hollowing out the wood to create their colonies. Over time, this severely destroys the internal wooden structures of your property and can lead to damage such as sinking floors and ceilings, bulging walls, stuck doors and windows, wood that breaks easily, and eventual structural collapse.

Termite treatments provided by professionals and proper termite prevention are vital if you want to avoid termite damage and protect your property.

Any termite problem on your property likely started with their attraction to the exterior areas of your property, setting up a colony, and then slowly making their way to the wooden structures that make up your home or business. Eastern subterranean termites are known for making their homes underground and using mud tubes to reach wooden areas of your house. Spotting mud tubes around your property is typically one of the first warning signs that an infestation is starting.

Outside, termites hide underground or near debris such as fallen branches and trees. In interior areas, termites invade the spaces between walls, furniture, flooring, and anywhere you find wooden support structures, especially those damaged by moisture.

You can get rid of termites by contacting B&T Pest Control at the first signs of them on your property. Our team will work with you to provide proper termite identification and craft home pest control plans to meet your home’s needs. With our help, you can be free of the dangers and damages that termites bring in no time.

Follow our expert termite prevention tips below to stop future problems with termites in their tracks.

• Seal cracks around your property’s foundation, doors, and windows to remove potential termite entry points.
• Reduce soil-to-wood contact around your foundation by putting a gravel barrier between the foundation and the yard.
• To reduce termite harborage areas, keep outdoor areas clear of long grass, overgrown foliage, and debris like fallen branches or trees.
• Address moisture issues and leaks that may contribute to water-damaged wood or other pools of excess moisture, as termites love damp and humid areas.

For more information on termite prevention or our wood-destroying insect reports, contact B&T Pest Control today.