Since invading termites thrive on moisture during warmer temperatures, homeowners need to protect their homes.

Here’s a few homeowner tips:

• Don’t let moisture accumulate near the foundation
• Reduce humidity in crawl spaces
• Check for points of entry
• Check for the presence of mud tubes (also called shelter tubes) along the foundation, near pipes, in the attic, within crawlspace, or around other access points to your home. Wood that is in contact with dirt is a good entry point (eliminate wood contact with the ground). Cracks in the foundation or concrete porch allow termites to enter into the crawlspace. Flower planters that make contact with the side of the home are also entry points. The outside heating unit keeps the surrounding ground warm all year and allows termites to grow rapidly throughout the year as well as being a good entry point.
• Food sources – use mulch sparingly, firewood, tree stumps, wooden posts sunk into the ground, wood decks or porches, trees & shrubbery
• Moisture – downspouts, water spigots, leaky water lines, air-conditioner drip lines, along sewer lines, any standing water, missing, broken or clogged gutters or roof tiles.
• If you find swarmers, mud tubes or just want peace of mind, call a professional exterminator.
• Both flying ants and winged termites have four wings.
• Termite wings are uniform in size.
• Winged ants have noticeably larger wings in the front than the pair in the back.
• Termites antennae are almost straight where the ant’s antennae is elbowed.
• Termite wings are twice as long as their body.

The post Termites Create New Colonies appeared first on Southern Pest Control.

With that said, Subterranean Termites have been found living above ground, but they must have a source of moisture in an unexposed area. In addition to moisture, subterranean termites also need cellulose for survival. This is why they feed on wood, paper and other cellulose containing products.

Subterranean termites are by far the most destructive species. They can collapse a building entirely, meaning possible financial ruin for a homeowner. The hard, saw-toothed jaws of termites work like shears and are able to bite off extremely small fragments of wood, one piece at a time.

Subterranean Termites can be found entering structures around plumbing penetrations, cement expansion joints, cracks, and other areas that give them access to the structure. Any wood that is in direct contact with the soil is also a prime target for subterranean termites. Subterranean termites will build their mud shelter tubes as far and as long as necessary to get to their food sources.

Characteristics

• Subterranean termites can be found in every state except Alaska.
• Subterranean termite colonies can be small with only a few hundred, up to around 250,000 termites, or as is the case with Formosan termites (found in the southern and gulf coast states), up to 10 million.
• There are (3) different forms of subterranean termites each with its own specific characteristics.
• Workers – Cream-colored (white to off-white) workers will be smaller, wingless and there will be variations in size between species. Count and examine the six short and stubby legs. While they do resemble soldiers, their heads are shorter and their mandibles are not as pronounced. The worker termites build the mud tubes.
• Soldiers – Solider termites, known as the “defenders of the colony”, have cream-colored bodies and brown heads. Soldiers are also wingless termites, just as workers. However, their heads are pale yellow to dark brown in color with bigger mandibles (jaws) than those of workers. There are some soldiers, depending on where they are located, that feature pear-shaped heads featuring a long front projection that traps enemies by exuding a sticky substance.
• Reproductive (swarm in the spring) – Groups of reproductive termites go off to start new colonies. Reproductive subterranean termites, also known as “alates” are approximately one inch long, have (4) equally sized wings that are double of its body and may be brown to black in color.
• Flying termites (known as swarmers) are often confused with flying ants, because both mate during the springtime. Flying ants do not shed their wings. Look for discarded wings around window sills.
• Most worker and soldier termites are completely blind as they do not have a pair of eyes.

Reproduction

• Once the colony has matured (usually two to four years), then swarming occurs.
• The surviving males and females pair off and begin the nesting and mating process.
• The mating process may continue for years, which explains why subterranean termite colonies can contain several thousand termites…or several million in the case of Formosan termites.
• Termite eggs are small, white, translucent and ovoid in shape. Termite eggs increase in size near hatching.
• A new queen’s first clutch will contain approximately two dozen eggs.
• Eggs laid in cooler climates need more incubation time. Depending on the climate, termite eggs hatch within 26 to 30 days.

Prevention

• Eliminate wood contact with the soil.
• Avoid water accumulation near the home’s foundation.
• Ensure proper ventilation in crawl spaces to reduce humidity.
• Divert water away from home with downspouts, gutters and splash blocks.
• Use plastic sheeting to cover soil in crawl space.
• Wood siding, stucco and foam board should be at least six inches away from the ground. Seal all cracks and holes in your home’s foundation, which may provide a handy access point for termites.

Attempting to eliminate Termites effectively require the use of several insecticide products and baiting stations. To avoid improper application, call a local pest control expert.

The post Subterranean Termites appeared first on Southern Pest Control.

What to know
It is swarmer season and swarmers are termites in the middle of mating and reproduction looking for a new place to call home. It’s not really these that cause the damage (yet) but is definitely a sign that you have a problem on your hands. They have come from their colony underground or from within your home now that it’s warmer outside. Termites are very invasive and once they find a food source, they’ll eat all that and then move on to the next food source.

What to do
Monitor areas in your home that are usually damp and also keep your gutters free of leaves. Remove mulch and any wood from around the perimeter. If you suspect termites, don’t delay and call to address the issue. It is critical that you correct it right away or you could have significant problem in you home.

What to look out for
• Crumbling drywall or a several wings on your windowsill
• Mud tubes used to travel to food sources or sawdust like droppings in a pile
• If your wood feels soft or hollow when tapped
• Darkening or blistering of wood structures
• Cracked or bubbling paint

To learn more about Termite Service, click here

The post Fun Facts: Termites Eat Non-Stop appeared first on Southern Pest Control.