Termites are one of the most destructive pests on earth as far as homeowners are concerned. However, knowledge is power, and with that in mind, here are six facts about termites that will help you to guard against a termite infestation.
Spring alert
Your home is at risk from termite infestation all year round, but termites are particularly active during the springtime when the colony begins to breed and expand. Termites will try to enter the walls and foundations of your home in order to feed on the cellulose contained within the structures during the summer months ahead.
Keep a close watch for swarming activity when the weather begins to warm up. If you see any signs of 'flying white ants', contact your a pest control contractor like All Pest Solutions, as you could have a potential infestation situation on your hands.
Hidden pests
Termites are notoriously difficult to spot until it's too late and a full-blown infestation is underway.
The insects live within the wooden structures and foundations of a home, moving around via elaborate mud tunnelling systems below ground-level. This stealthy, elusive lifestyle makes them extremely difficult to detect, even when many thousands are present.
Always ensure you have routine, regular termite inspections carried out by an expert pest control company, particularly if you live in an area where termites are highly active.
Home insurance
Not every home insurance policy covers you for any damage to your property inflicted by termites. Always check your policy for specific references to termite damage, and if you're at all unsure of your insurer's stance on this, give them a call for clarification.
Not all termites are equal
There are many different species of termites, not all of which affect urban areas. The main culprits to look out for are damp-wood termites, subterranean termites and dry-wood termites. Each of these species thrives in different conditions, and it's important to understand which type you're dealing with if you are to effectively prevent or treat an infestation.
It's a good idea to consult your local pest control contractor for advice on which species is most likely to target your home. They will be able to carry out an inspection for you and will give you detailed information on what to look out for.
Termites don't need a queen
Many insects, like bees, wasps and ants for example, build their colony around their queen. If the queen is killed or removed, the colony will disband and many of its inhabitants will simply die.
Unfortunately, this strategy does not work so well with termites. A termite colony has a contingent of 'supplementary reproductives'. In the absence of a queen, these insects take on the role of producing young, thus ensuring the colony's survival until a new queen is found.
Termites protect their queen
Even though a termite colony can survive to a certain extent without a queen, its members will go to great lengths to protect her. This is one of the reasons that DIY poisoning of a termite colony is not always effective.
Termite 'servants' bring food to their queen as she lays her eggs deep within the nest. Before feeding the queen, the servants taste the food. If the food is laced with pesticide, the servants will die but the queen will survive to continue producing young. This is one reason why termites are such great survivors and are so difficult to eradicate.
Pest control specialists use pesticides and insecticides that are proven to be highly effective against termites at all stages of their lifecycle. Always consult a professional, rather than taking the DIY route.
Termites are just about the most destructive pest homeowners in affected areas have to face. Be vigilant during the spring months for swarming termites, know which species you are dealing with, make sure you have adequate insurance in place to protect you in the event of an infestation and invest in regular inspections by your local pest control company.
Share27 July 2015
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