4 Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Termites
Termites. Most people don’t even think about termites or the damage they can cause until they become homeowners. And still, many don’t pay too much attention to these pests until the damage is caused. Termites don’t bite or annoy you when you are trying to eat outside. They don’t make horrible noises or send you to the hospital after a sting. Instead, these tiny creatures focus on eating 24/7. And when the untreated wood in your home comes in contact with a termite colony, it could mean disaster.
In order to get rid of termites, you need to know more about the pests that you could be dealing with. Here are a few facts about termites and how Hopper Termite & Pest can help.
Fact 1: Termites Like to Eat More Than Just Wood
Most people know that termites primarily eat wood. However, you may be surprised to learn that they also eat other things. Termites are attracted to the cellulose that is found in wood and other organic products such as trees and plants because it is what gives termites their energy and fuel.
While they don’t eat concrete or plastic, termites have been known to eat through materials to get cellulose-rich products. In addition to regular wood, termites will also consume anything that is made of wood such as paper, some fabrics, and cardboard.
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Fact 2: Termites Never Sleep
What? Could you imagine the things you could accomplish if you didn’t sleep? Unlike the human body, termites do not require sleep in order to carry out day-to-day functions. Their main function is to eat, eat more, and find more to eat. In fact, the only time that termites are not eating is when they are in between colonies and trying to find a great place to settle down…and eat.
And while these simple organisms are programmed to eat 24/7, their lifespan is actually longer than most other insects. In fact, termites can stay alive for about 2-3 years of eating away.
Fact 3: Termites Colonies Can Have Millions
Termite colonies are huge. Many subterranean termite colonies can reach numbers in the hundreds of thousands. Some termite colonies can even reach into the millions. Unlike other insects, termites are friendly to other termites. If one colony meets up with another colony at a food source, they won’t attack.
Fact 4: Termite Damage Can Be Prevented
Termites are very destructive insects. These “silent destroyers” can come in and destroy your home and property before you even realize what is happening. So, what can you do to prevent termites from destroying your home? There are a few things that can be done.
Use pre-treated lumber, cedar, or redwood – If you are about to start building a home or structure, it is advised that you use pre-treated (pressure treated) lumber. Pre-treated lumber is infused with chemical preservatives that keep the wood from decaying. The preservatives also keep away insects such as termites and carpenter ants.
Cedar and redwood are types of wood that are naturally resistant to termites. While these types of wood may not be the best for building the structure of a home, they are great for outdoor projects.
Eliminate moisture – This is a big one. Eliminating excess moisture anywhere in the home is a great way to keep termites and other pests and rodents from coming into your home. Check faucets, pipes, and exterior AC units for leaks and moisture build-up. It’s also a good idea to check the exterior of your home after it rains to see if there is a puddling or water build-up close to the home. If there appears to be excess water, try to figure out a way to divert the water from your home.
Use exclusion techniques – Using exclusion techniques is a great way to prevent damage caused by termites. It is also equally as helpful when trying to prevent or get rid of other bugs and rodents that keep coming into your home. Make sure that all windows and doors have been sealed properly with weatherstripping. It’s also a good idea to look around your home’s exterior for gaps and holes to seal up. While looking for cracks, make sure to make notes if you see any mud tubes. Finally, if you have a lot of plants and soil around your home and at the base of your home, it’s a good idea to make sure that there is about a 2’ gap between the soil and any wooden structures.
Call Hopper Termite & Pest to Get Rid of Your Termite Problem
These are just a few facts about termites. While these facts are fun to read, it’s no fun discovering that you have a termite problem. Luckily, help is only a phone call away. If you are ready to get rid of termites or want to prevent termites from causing a costly mess, give the professionals at Hopper Termite & Pest a call today. Our technicians understand termites and know just how to find them and get rid of them.
Don’t be one of the 600,000 homes affected by termite damage each year. Call today to schedule your FREE ESTIMATE.
