Pest Control Solutions for Termites

Termites -- the bane of any homeowner's existence -- are notorious
for their ability to turn a strong, healthy wooden structure into a
feeble excuse for a load-bearing pole. Few pests strike fear into the
heart of a homeowner the way termites do; the damage they cause can be
substantial and expensive.In order to protect your home from a termite
infestation, you will have to get to know your enemy. Here's what you
need to know about termites and pest prevention:Kinds of
TermitesTermites come in several varieties, and proper pest control
requires identifying what type of pest you're dealing with as well as
understanding its behavior.Damp wood termites: Damp wood termites are
a vicious strain that feed on wood homes, stumps and fallen trees.
These kinds of termites are common in areas that have a constant
supply of moisture, such as leaky pipes, as they prefer damp wood with
an adequate moisture content. They measure up to an inch in length
with wings spread and have a light brown appearance -- although the
worker class is smaller, wingless and white in color.Damp wood
termites are recognizable by the patterns they leave in the wood when
feeding -- they always eat across the grain. They make a series of
chambers connected by tunnel with smooth walls that appear to be
sandpapered. There is no trace of soil in the galleries, though dry
conditions will cause fecal pellets to accumulate against the walls
and look like dirt.Subterranean termites: These nasty little buggers
are much smaller in size than the damp wood termite, with a darker
color that often causes them to be mistaken for ants. (The best way to
tell the difference is to look at the waist -- if it has none, it's a
termite.) The workers of the bunch are marked by their grayish-white
appearance. The subterranean termite digs its nest underground about
ten to twenty feet deep. They are usually found swarming during the
spring or fall, depending on your location.The subterranean termite is
the most destructive wood-destroying pest in the United States. They
cause more than $2 billion in damage each year alone -- more than the
property damage caused by fire and windstorms combined. People who
live in Texas should be especially aware of this pest.Dry wood
termites: The dry wood termite feeds and nests in non-decayed wood,
without the necessity for moisture or soil. These are the kinds of
termites that cause damage to wooden objects in the home, such as that
new couch you just bought from IKEA. Dry wood termites are the most
secretive of all termites, which makes them extremely hard to detect
and get rid of. They live deep in the wood and, except when they are
swarming, are rarely seen.The damage left by dry wood termites is
caused by their tunneling to enlarge their colony. Dry wood termites
cut across the wood's grain, making the wood's internal structure weak
and causing the integrity of the wood to be compromised. Dry wood
termite damage progresses slower than damage from subterranean
termites, but the difficulty in detecting them causes damage to go on
for a longer period of time. By the time these pests are spotted, it
tends to be too late for the wood structure.Pest Prevention and
Control for TermitesA single termite colony can encompass hundreds of
thousands of the insects and can consume more than two linear feet of
2x4 pine per year, entirely without your knowledge. The best way to
keep termites from causing structural damage to your home is to be
proactive about pest prevention. Practice these pest control
techniques to keep termites at bay:-- Eliminate their water source by
identifying and repairing all water leaks in your home. Get rid of any
standing or pooling water around your home, and keep your gutters and
waterlines clean to prevent leaks.
-- Survey the area directly around
your home. Remove any heavy vegetation, don't place mulch near your
house, and don't stack firewood or excess building materials near your
exterior walls, as these can create conditions ideal for termites.
--
Use pressure-treated wood for any structures in direct contact with
the ground, such as decks, patios and fences.
-- Get rid of any dead
trees or stumps in your yard, as these can attract termites.
-- Seal
up any cracks in your home's foundation.
-- Ensure proper ventilation
in your home, attic and crawl space areas, as this can help prevent
moisture from accumulating.A qualified pest control company can help
you formulate an effective termite pest prevention strategy. It's also
a good idea to ask your pest control company to annually inspect your
home for termite damage. If caught early, termites can be eliminated
before destroying your home.