Tiny but Troublesome: Can Termites Harm Humans?

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Termites may be tiny, but that doesn't mean that their bite doesn't pack a punch. For instance, did you know that termites hold the record for the fastest mandible bite in the world, at a speedy 157mph? Termite jaws are strong too, strong enough to chew through plastic and wood.

The real question though, is can termites harm humans? Let's find out.

Soldier Termites Can Bite Humans

Although termites won't actively seek out a human or pet, they will attack if you accidentally disturb an area that they are feeding in. Worker termites won't attack you, but the larger soldier ones will. Fortunately, despite their aggressiveness when provoked, soldier termites can do little damage, aside from a pinch, to a human. However, it's not the damage termite jaws can do to you that you should fear — it is the damage they can do to your home.

Termite Damage Is Dangerous

If your home has the essentials that termites require, and a termite colony is within 130 feet of your home, they may make a beeline for your property. If your home isn't protected by in-soil termite protection, they will likely attack your home from beneath. You may never know the termites are there. But once a termite colony finds access to a substantial food supply, it will send its army of workers to create a satellite colony near or even in your property. Because they travel in darkness and rarely come above ground, they can do substantial damage before you even know they are there.

Termites will eat whatever is available, which means floors, doors, window frames and furniture among many other things! This is dangerous to you because termites can compromise the structural integrity of your home. For instance, if they eat away your flooring or roof without your knowledge, you and your family will be at risk of injury. Thankfully, you can call the experts the moment you notice the presence of termites.

Act Fast if you Suspect Termites

Termites can do significant damage in just a few months if left to their own devices. If you have seen signs of termites then, such as mud tubes snaking their way over trees, outdoor furniture or even your home's siding, call a professional pest control service as soon as possible. Even if you are sure those termites haven't yet targeted your home, there is no telling when they will. Hire a professional termite control service to hunt down the termites and advise you on how to best protect your home from future termite incursions.

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3 May 2019

Pest Control Ideas and Testimonials from Pest Infestation "Survivors"

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