Termites Work Year Round

Termite infestations in homes across the U. S. are just as common as pest infestations. But most often, homeowners choose not to have their homes inspected annually for termites. Out of sight – out of mind?…maybe… but according to the U. S. Dept of Agriculture – Termites cause more damage to homes than fires and windstorms combined.

Listed below are some interesting facts about termites. Keep in mind that most Pest and Termite Control Companies offer Free Inspections for termites. Your home is your biggest investment, shouldn't it be protected against termites?

The Difference Between A Flying Ant And A Termite.

There are 3 easy ways to tell flying ants and termites apart:

Wing size – Termite wings are all equal in length and extend well past the abdomen. Ants have wings which are unequal in length and generally end at the tip of the abdomen.

Antennae shape – Antennae on termites are straight and bead-like, but on ants they are elbowed.

Waist size – Ants have a pinched waist, but termites have no constriction in the body and are more streamlined.

Termite Swarms, And What You Should Do If You Experience One.

Termite swarms occur when a termite colony has grown so large that they send out new reproductive termites to start new colonies. The swarmers can come out during the day or night depending on their species. Subterranean termites generally swarm during the day and have more individuals than Drywood termites which swarm generally at night.

The important issue here is that swarmers are a sign of termite infestation, and that means you have a problem. The good news is the experts at PermaTreat are here to help!

The Difference Between A Drywood Termite And A Subterranean Termite.

Drywood termites are a group of termites that do not need ground contact or moisture. They can live their entire life cycle inside a piece of structural timber or a piece of furniture. Their numbers are less than that of Subterranean termites and they tend to be a bit larger in size. Drywood termites generally swarm after sunset or at night, from May until November. However, they can swarm at other times. Their swarmers are generally brownish in color. In the U.S. drywood termites are found in regions that do not experience freezing temperatures during most winters. Isolated infestations may occasionally be found north of these areas however. Drywood termites also may be transported in wooden articles and start local, indoor infestations anywhere.

Subterranean termites must have ground contact or a secondary moisture source to live. Most are small and black in the swarmer phase. Subterranean termites generally swarm during the Spring and Summer months during the daytime (especially after a heavy rain). However, they can swarm at other times.

Your Home Is Built Out Of Concrete Block But You Still Need To Worry About Termites.

When it comes to termites, it doesn't matter if your home or office is built out of concrete block or if it is sitting on a concrete slab without wood contacting the ground. Your property is still vulnerable to Subterranean termites; and once inside they are difficult to detect until significant damage has been done.

Subterranean termites can travel long distances through your home. Since they usually only swarm once a year, you are not likely to see them. They create mud tunnels, many feet long, eating their way even through wood that has been pre-treated with preservatives.

Termites Do Not Go Away On Their Own After Termite Season Passes.

Termites are present during both termite swarm season and non-season times. The difference is whether you see them or not.

There Could Be Termites On Your Property Right Now Moving Towards Your Home.

Termites are constantly foraging for new food sources. An average lot surrounding a home can support three to four active termite colonies. Each colony can contain as many as a million termites.