Even the word “termites” can send a shiver down the spine of most homeowners. Few pests can cause as much destruction, and even fewer can do it in total silence and completely camouflaged. These ‘silent destroyers’ eat wood from the inside out, doing structural damage that can cost thousands to fix — and that’s on top of pest control costs. To protect your home from these costly infestations, it’s crucial to understand termite behavior and implement preventive measures.
What Are Termites?
Termites are known as small, social insects that survive on cellulose, a primary component of wood, paper, and plant materials. While they play an essential role in breaking down dead plant matter in ecosystems, termites can wreak havoc when they invade human structures.
There are three core types of termites: subterranean, drywood and dampwood. While there are other species of termites, these three are the most common and destructive species in the U.S., with subterranean topping the list in both categories.
Termite Colonies: A Look Inside
Termites are social insects that live in colonies, each of which has a complex caste system consisting of workers, soldiers, and reproductive members, much like ants. Workers forage and feed the colony, which means they are the most dangerous of the three types of termites for your home. Soldiers defend against other insects, which means they can usually be ignored, while the reproductive members of a swarm must be eliminated to get rid of the source of the problem. If you can kill the queen, you can kill your termite infestation relatively quickly afterward.
Key Termite Behaviors to Watch For
Knowing that termites are a danger doesn’t help you protect against them. You’ll need to know how these bugs behave and what to look for in terms of early warning signs. Keep your eyes peeled for:
1. Swarming
Like bees, termites can and do swarm, and they do it for the same reason — establishing a new colony. Swarming occurs when winged termites (alates) leave their colony to mate during the warmer months, usually after rainfall. If you see swarms around your home, it’s a strong indicator of a nearby infestation.
2. Mud Tubes
Subterranean termites, the most destructive and common type, use tubes built out of soil, saliva and wood particles to create what amounts to a species-specific highway system. Termites travel using these tubes.
3. Wood Damage
Hopefully, you find out about an infestation before termites have time to do a lot of wood damage, but termites can be tricky to detect. They eat wood from the inside, hollowing it out but leaving it mostly visually intact. Look for blistered or layered surface damage and tap to check for hollow interiors if you suspect termites.
4. Frass (Termite Droppings)
If you find deer droppings in the woods, there are deer there. If you find termite droppings in your home, there are termites. Frass is the technical term for droppings from termites and other insects. Look for small pellets that may resemble sawdust.
Take a look at pictures compiled by the National Pesticide Information Center to help you identify each of these signs.
Preventing Termite Infestations
To keep termites from making themselves at home in your house, the key is to cut off their sources of comfort and access—think of it as making your home an unappealing vacation spot for these tiny invaders.
Start by tackling moisture. Termites love damp areas, so it’s essential to fix leaky pipes and dripping faucets. Make sure water flows away from your foundation by ensuring proper drainage, and consider using a dehumidifier in damp spaces like basements and crawl spaces. Oh, and don’t forget your gutters—clogged gutters can hold water and practically invite termites to move in. Trust us, you don’t want your gutters turning into a termite pool party!
Sealing up entry points is another effective way to keep these pests at bay. Maintaining your yard is also a big help. Trim and cut back shrubs, trees, and other vegetation near your home’s foundation. Overgrown plants can trap moisture and create a bridge for termites to cross right into your house. Never store wood touching or near your home. Make sure all wood piles are at least 20 feet away! Mulch can also be a problem if piled too close.
When building or renovating, always choose treated or naturally termite-resistant wood. Pressure-treated wood contains chemicals that termites hate. It’s an upfront investment, but it’s well worth it to keep your home off the termite menu.
By addressing these areas, you can make your home less inviting to termites and more enjoyable for you—minus the uninvited guests.
Getting Termites Under Control
If you’re looking for termite prevention strategies, you might already be battling an infestation. In that case, it’s time to call in the professionals. Regular inspections can detect an infestation early, before it has a chance to cause extensive damage. Pest professionals can also target the colony directly, helping to wipe the problem out at the source.
If You Suspect Termites
Get in touch with your pest control company right away. Don’t rely on DIY treatments for an issue that could render your home condemned. Instead, work with the pros to implement customized treatment and prevention plans that will get your home termite-free and keep it that way.
You might also be interested in: 5 Pest Control Tips for Homes with Children and Pets
