The thought of termites infesting your home is pretty horrifying. And it’s a valid concern – the National Pest Management Association estimates that in the United States alone, termites damage homes to the tune of over $5 billion per year. So if you think you may have termites, it’s essential to know how to identify and eliminate them as quickly as possible. In this post, the Pest & Bed Bug Extermination Services in Cedar Rapids will describe how to identify termites and how you can eliminate them.
What Do Termites Look Like?
Although many people confuse ants with termites, these two insects have a few key physical differences. For starters, ants have a narrow “waist,” while termites have broad, rectangular-shaped bodies. Ants also have elbowed antennae, while termites have straight ones.
And perhaps most importantly, If you’re still unsure whether you’re dealing with ants or termites, the best way to tell them apart is by their wings. Both male and female flying ants have large wings in front and small wings in the back, while termites have two pairs of wings that are all the same size.
Now that we know how to identify, let’s go a step further and learn about the different termite types.
Termites and their types
There are several kinds of termites that can be broadly classified into three main categories:
Drywood Termites: These termites typically live in dry, undecayed wood with low moisture content. They are brown and usually have small colonies of thousands of individuals.
Subterranean Termites: As their name suggests, subterranean termites live in the soil and build tunnels to reach their food source – wood. Their workers are pale-cream, while their swarmers (reproductive termites) are black with translucent wings.
Dampwood Termites: Dampwood termites live, you guessed it, in damp wood that has a high moisture content. They are usually found near water sources, such as leaky pipes or broken gutters.
How Can You Know If You Have Termite Infestations?
Termites usually hide in the cracks and crevices of homes, making them difficult to spot. But there are several signs that can indicate you have a termite problem, such as:
-Wood that sounds hollow when tapped
-Piles of wings near doors or windows (these are the wings shed by reproductive termites during swarm season)
-Mud tubes on the foundation of homes or in crawl spaces
-Cracks in paint or drywall
-Sagging floors or ceilings
If you see any of these signs, you need to call a pest control professional as soon as possible to get rid of the problem before it causes severe damage to homes.
How Do You Get Rid of Termites?
Once you’ve identified termites, you’ll need to take steps to get rid of them as quickly as possible. There are different methods you can use to eliminate termite infestation. Here some of the most common:
Baiting
Baiting systems use termite food to attract the pests into a trap that kills them. This method is effective but it can take several months to see results.
Liquid Termiticides
The traditional method for getting rid of termites is to inject a liquid termiticide into the ground around homes. This creates a barrier that prevents termites from entering or leaving your property. It’s important to note that liquid termiticides are either repellants or non-repellants. Repellent products will drive termites away from the home, while non-repellent products will kill them.
The benefit of this method is its ease of use – you can DIY with a few hours and some basic supplies. However, the drawback is it may also involve drilling small holes into infested wood in patios and decks, then injecting the termiticide directly into it.
Fumigation
Fumigation is a method that’s typically used to get rid of a heavy infestation. It involves pumping a gas fumigant into your home to kill the termites. This method is effective, but it’s also expensive and can be dangerous, so the house needs to be first evacuated and then sealed before fumigation can begin.
Heat Treatment
Heat treatment is an option for homeowners who want a more natural way to get rid of termites. This method uses heaters set to high temperatures to kill the termites and their eggs. Heat treatment is effective, but it may damage items in your home if not done correctly.
Engaging the services of a pest control professional is the best way to get rid of termites. They will be able to determine the best method for your specific situation and ensure it’s done correctly to avoid any damage to your home.
The most important thing when dealing with termite infestations is to act quickly. These pests can cause severe damage to your home if left unchecked. You can use different methods to eliminate termites, such as baiting, liquid termiticides, or fumigation. Whichever method you choose, it’s essential to act quickly to prevent serious damage to your home.
