8 Things To Know About Termites

Termites eating rotted wood

Termites are such destructive creatures that there’s really only one thing we want to know about them: how to get rid of them! Given that many scientists believe termites predate humans, the likelihood of their complete demise is unrealistic. But at least you can learn some facts from the experts to help you understand their role in nature and what to do if you see some near your home.

1. Termites Live All Around Us

Termites live in the wooded areas surrounding homes, such as inside tree stumps or in the firewood in your yard. They build underground tunnels to locate plentiful food sources, one of which could be your home. Workers foraging for food can travel up to about 100 meters. The closer they live to your home, the more likely that they’ll find you.

2. Termites Are Beneficial to the Environment

Termites are considered one of the most important insects environmentally. By eating dead and rotting trees, they convert cellulose into organic matter that is returned to the soil. Fallen trees would not break down were it not for termites. Unfortunately, they cannot tell the difference between a fallen tree and our homes.

3. The Signs Termites Leave May Not Be Noticeable Until They’ve Been Eating Your Home for Months or Years

Homeowners need to be vigilant about the signs of termites in order to catch them as soon as possible. Signs include piles of shed wings, mud tubes along your outside foundation, droppings near their entry points, and hollow-sounding wood.

4. Termite Damage Costs Homeowners $5 Billion Annually

To put this number in perspective, the damage caused by  Hurricane Dorian  in 2019 was $4.6 billion. In the U.S. alone,  600,000 homes  are damaged by termites each year.

5. Swarming Termites Can Be Easily Confused with Ants

Termites have straight antennae while ants have bent ones. Termites have a straight broad body in contrast to ants’ pinched torsos. The wings of termites are all the same size, while ants have back wings that are shorter than their front wings.

6. You Can’t Get Rid of Termites on Your Own

While products are available to rid your home of termites, you cannot be certain that they are all gone. Termites require professional termite control to ensure your home is clear from continuing damage.

7. Every Home Should Have Termite Protection

Every home is at risk for termites. That’s why you should have proactive termite protection. Because termite control is considered part of a homeowner’s regular maintenance, insurance companies do not cover termite damage. Protecting your home from termites is more cost-effective than having to repair their damage.

8. Family and Environmentally-Friendly Solutions Are Available

Ecola Termite & Pest Control  creates individualized solutions based on the type and extent of the infestation. After your free termite inspection, your Ecola professional will discuss both traditional and natural termite control options. Call Ecola to schedule your termite inspection and learn more about any pest control needs, including  rodent control ,  bedbug removal , and more at (800) 332-BUGS (2847).