Termites: The Misunderstood Pests

Termites are social insects that live in colonies where they raise their young and eat wood. They have been known to cause billions of dollars worth of damage to structures throughout North America and other parts of the world. They thrive in warm humid environments, so tropical climates are especially susceptible to termite infestations.

Termiticides are chemicals used to control termites. There are many different types of termiticides that work differently depending upon what type of termite they target. Most termiticides rely primarily on physical barriers to keep termites from entering protected areas. Some use chemical methods like baits or traps. Other chemicals can kill termites directly by disrupting their nervous system. Termite-killing pesticides may pose threats to humans and wildlife if not used correctly.

Termites can cause structural damage to buildings and homes. In addition to damaging wooden building materials, termites can weaken the structure of homes and make them susceptible to fire and water damage. Homeowners should contact pest management professionals as soon as possible if they suspect that termites are present in their homes.

Pesticides are chemicals designed to kill pests without harming humans or animals. Many people assume that using pesticides is safe, but this is simply untrue. Pesticides are toxic and can harm human health. They can also affect non-target species like birds, bees, fish, and other beneficial insects. If pesticide application is necessary, homeowners must follow correct procedures. Pests should be treated only after a thorough inspection of your home has been completed. You should never apply pesticides yourself.

If you find termites in your house or property, it's best to call a professional exterminator immediately. Termite removal is a job for experts who know how to properly identify the problem. An experienced termite treatment specialist knows exactly where to look for termites and can safely remove them before they spread further.

What Termites Eat

Termite food includes everything in your home that contains cellulose. This includes paper, cardboard, books, magazines, clothing, furniture, pictures, wallpaper, and wooden items like doors, drawers, cabinets, and tables. When termites eat cellulose material, they break down the structure of the material and use the released sugars for their own energy needs. As a result, the material becomes weaker and weaker until eventually the termites completely consume it.

If you notice that your floorboards seem to be getting loose, you may suspect that termites are eating away at your foundation. You need to be aware of this because it could mean that your home is infested with termites. Termites are attracted to moisture and will find the easiest way into your home, usually through cracks in the wall. They will then begin to tunnel under the floors and walls of your home. Once they get to the sub-flooring, they will begin to chew through the wood and create tunnels.

How To Protect Your Home From Termites

The first step towards protecting your home against termites is knowing where the entrance points are located. There are several ways to find out where termites might be entering your home. One way is to check your basement, crawl spaces, attics, garages, and basements for holes in the walls, flooring, and ceilings. Termites will often leave behind droppings of excrement which you can spot easily since they are dark brown. These droppings can indicate the presence of termites.