Do you ever wonder what lives in our homes? Among other critters one of the most damaging is the termite.
Termites resemble ants, their bodies are wider and softer than those of ants. In addition, termites have shorter, smaller legs and move much more slowly than most ants do.
Termites are detrivores, or detritus feeders. They feed on dead plants and trees as well as dead parts of living trees, including wood and wood in the soil.
A termite's mouth is capable of tearing large pieces of food.
This ability is what causes concern in human dwellings: while termites only measure approximately one centimeter in length, their feeding habits are capable of causing costly damage to property. House foundations, furniture, shelves, books, carpets and insulation are all possible feeding sites for termites.
Subterranean termite homes are usually formed in soil. Within these mounds, termites build elaborate tunnel systems and mud tunnels through which they access aboveground food sources. Drywood termites live within the wood they consume and oftentimes infest walls and furniture.
When a colony has matured, winged, swarming termites can be seen around windows and doors. Winged termites are highly attracted to sources of light and are most active in springtime. After mating, these termites locate a new breeding site and create another colony, spreading infestations throughout multiple locations.
One of the most common types of termites is the Drywood Termite. Drywood termites make their colonies within the wood on which they feed. As they consume wood, they burrow mazes of tunnels and chambers within walls and furniture.
Drywood termites leave small piles of feces that resemble sawdust where they have eaten or nested.
Drywood termites also cause sagging in floors, walls and ceilings and may leave behind areas which appear to be water-damaged. After winged, drywood termites swarm, their wings shed and can be found in small piles throughout an infested home. These wings resemble fish scales.
Drywood termites are usually found in warm, southern climates, while subterranean termites have spread throughout the continental United States.
Subterranean termites build their colonies underground and can travel aboveground to access sources of food.
They enter homes through cracked or unsealed foundations, as well as through tunnels constructed from mud, feces and saliva. These tunnels are brown, dry and cylindrical in appearance. The presence of these tunnels near the foundation of your home is a sure sign of subterranean termite infestation.
Termites are often called the “silent destroyer” because they may be secretly hiding and thriving in your basement or yard without any immediate signs of damage.
While each termite species thrives in different climates and eats different types of food, wall termites require four things to survive — food, moisture, shelter and optimal temperature. Unfortunately, all homes, regardless of their construction type, can provide these ideal conditions for termite infestation.
Termites can be extremely hazardous to the foundation of your home. For more information on controlling the festations of termites and eliminating them please contact us at Esparza Pest Control or visit our website at www.epestinc.com
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