TERMITES

Termites
Each year termites invade millions of homes, causing billions of dollars in damage which is rarely
covered by homeowners insurance. Termites are primarily found in the south but are present in
every state except Alaska. Termite control is very important if you live in the south. It's not if you
will get termites, but when. A termite inspection by a licensed professional is the first step in
termite treatment and protecting your property from these voracious pests.

Subterranean Termites

Subterranean termites live in underground colonies or in moist secluded areas
aboveground that can contain up to 2 million members. They build distinctive "mud tubes"
to gain access to food sources and to protect themselves from open air. Termite colonies
are organized into castes depending on tasks -- workers, soldiers and reproductives. The
characteristics of a subterranean termite are dependent on the termite's role in the colony.
Cream-colored Worker subterranean termites are 1/8 to 3/8's of an inch in length. Soldier
subterranean termites are of a similar body length, but are distinguished by their powerful
mandibles. Solider termites have cream-colored bodies and brown heads. Reproductive
subterranean termites are approximately one inch long.

Habits
Subterranean termites live underground and build tunnels, referred to
as mud tubes, to reach food sources. Like other termite species, they
feed on products containing cellulose. Subterranean termites swarm in the spring -- groups of
reproductive termites go off to start new colonies.
Habitat
Subterranean termites need contact with the soil to survive and live underground.
They can build tunnels through cracks in concrete.
Threats
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.
Prevention
Avoid water accumulation near your home's foundation. Divert water away with
properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks. Reduce humidity in
crawl spaces with proper ventilation. Never bury wood scraps or waste lumber in
the yard. Most importantly, eliminate wood contact with the soil. Maintain a one-inch
gap between the soil and wood siding and wood portions of the residence.

Drywood Termites

These social insects infest dry wood and do not require contact with the soil.

Habits
They form colonies of up to 2,500 members. Unlike subterranean termite
species, drywood termite colonies do not have a worker caste. The work is
done by immature termites before they reach adulthood.
Habitat
Drywood termites infest dry wood, like that found in attic framings.
Threats
Drywood termites can infest structures and cause significant damage.
Prevention
Drywood termites can be avoided by making sure firewood and scrap
wood is stored at least 20 feet from the home. Because drywood
termites form new colonies by gaining access to wood through small
holes, seal all cracks and crevices in a structure.

Formosan Termites

Originally from China, Formosan termites are the most voracious, aggressive and devious
of over 2,000 termite species known to science. Formosan termites are a subterranean
species of termite. Swarmer Formosan termite are about 1/2 inch in overall length,
including their wings.
Habits
Formosans are organized into huge underground colonies, and build intricate mud nests
inside the walls of a structure.
Habitat
Formosan termites are the most aggressive subterranean termite species.
Formosans are organized into huge underground colonies, and build intricate
mud nests inside the walls of a structure.
Threats
Because of their aggressive nature, Formosan termites are difficult to control
once they infest a structure. Prevention is key.

Termite Inspection
Possible signs of a termite infestation:
• Pencil-sized diameter, or larger, mud tubes running across bare concrete or masonry between
the soil and any wooden part of your building.
• Thin, small, papery wings, all the same size and shape, 3/8-1/2 inches long, on your window sill,
counter top or floor (especially if it is late Spring and there has been a recent rain.)
• Thin, "bubbled" or distorted areas of paint or wood surfaces which feel cool to the touch.
• Any wooden building parts (especially if they are support structures) begin to "sag"
unexpectedly.

If you're experiencing any of these signs, a termite exterminator can help. Termite prevention is
the key to protecting your property and providing you with peace-of-mind.