The most common termite, the subterranean, builds its nest in the ground. These termites may construct mud tubes which are used to explore for food and connect their underground nest to that food source. They can enter a building without direct wood contact with the soil through such tubes.
Termites can enter buildings through cracks, expansion joints, hollow bricks, concrete blocks, or around plumbing. They can find their way into a structure through an opening as small as 1/32 of an inch.
Any building, whether constructed with a slab, basement or crawl space foundation, can be a target for termite infestation. |
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Every year, subterranean termites cause $5 billion in damage in the United States alone!
Once termites have found their way into your home, their colonies can multiply quickly - populations can exceed one million insects - leading to extensive property damage if the problem isn't controlled!
Other pests which can also cause significant damage to homes and property are carpenter bees / ants, squirrels, raccoons, bats and other wildlife that maintain destructive nesting, breeding and living habits inside your home. |
Recognizing termites is tricky, since they are often difficult to distinguish from flying ants. Termites swarm in the spring and fall when a group of adult males and females leave their nest to establish a new colony.
Termites have relatively straight, beadlike antennae, while ants have elbowed antennae. Termites have two pair of wings (front and back) that are of almost equal length. Ants also have two pair of wings but the fore wings are much larger than the hind wings. The abdomen of the termite is broadly joined to the thorax while the abdomen and thorax of the ant are joined by a narrow waist.
Termite damage can be located by probing wood (i.e main beams, support beams) with a screwdriver, ice pick, or knife. Start inspection in the basement and use a bright flashlight. Look for telltale |
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Homeowners insurance will help recover losses from fires, storms and earthquakes, however, it is impossible to carry insurance against termite infestation. |
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Pests live and thrive in many different types of environments and regions. Some pests can pose year round threats and problems. Others may be specific to the season. If you travel, they may have hitched a ride into your home via your belongings. The best defense against any kind of pest is to minimize your risks. For example, when ever and where ever you travel, keep your belongings closed up and off the floor and thoroughly inspect them before you come home.
In and around your home there are many things you can do to prevent future problems as well: Keep gutters free of trapped waste, clean up yard debris, empty standing water, keep garbage and recycling areas clean and dispose of it regularly, repair leaky faucets, seal up cracks and gaps around your foundations, windows, doors, roof and chimney, etc...
Yet in spite of how diligent you are in preventing pests, they can still gain entry into your home. Know your limits.
If you have a problem or only a question about whether or not you have a problem Lady Bug Pest Services can help you.
With no obligation, give us a call us at
908. 317. 8576 |
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