Termites are one of the most worrisome pests a homeowner might encounter strictly due to the financial damage they can cause. Termites eat wood and love warm areas with high humidity, which makes them especially attracted to basements and your home’s foundation. When termites find the foundation of a home for their new feasting area, this can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage as they eat at any wooden supports they can find. This not only costs money to fix, but it can also put your family in danger from an unstable foundation. Thankfully, we can help you identify when you might have termites, and how to remove termites from your home! Check out our termite resources below!
Termite Guides:
What Can Attract Termites To My Home?:
Most common species of termites in the U.S. are subterranean termites which require high moisture levels both for survival and to obtain enough water they need to maintain their food sources. This means if you live in an area that has high humidity, then you’re at additional risk for termites. Along with this, termites are generally attracted to areas with high humidity such as basements and foundations, so it’s best to keep an eye out in these areas.
East coast states, including Virginia, Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina, and South Carolina have a heavy risk for infestation due to warm weather being favorable for them, but all 50 states in the U.S. have some risk of becoming infested with termites.
What Are Some Signs Of Termites?:
Are there any signs of termites that appear in my house? One sign may be damage to stucco, wood, or paper. There may also be visible tubes on trees or other wooden objects around your house.
You should constantly be inspecting areas that might attract termites such as your basement and foundation of your home for loose wood shavings as well, this is a telltale sign of termites eating away at the wood in your home.
Why Are Termites Dangerous?:
What danger do termites pose to human health and why have they considered pests if their eating habits aren’t always noticeable? “Although subterranean termites generally feed on decaying material, they will infest sound wood when the opportunity presents itself,”
Termite mud tunnels can weaken beams, leading to collapse during strong weather events such as hurricanes. Another way termites can cause major damage is through tunneling which damages water pipes and electrical wiring, causing fires blackouts.” It’s best to protect your home and your family by constantly looking for signs of termites and ensuring you are catching these signs as quickly as possible.
What Are The Main Species Of Termites?:
The four main species of termites in North America are Reticulitermes flavipes, Reticulitermes virginicus, Coptotermes formosanus and Heterotermes aureus.
