Termite Identification & Prevention

While several types of termites infest homes in the United States, subterranean termites are the most common, especially in our area. This species requires a lot of moisture to survive, so they live underground and create mud tubes to travel to a food source instead of living inside wood like drywood termites. 

Mud tubes are made out of saliva, dirt, and wood and allow subterranean termites to maintain contact with soil. Often, seeing mud tubes is the first indication of a termite problem. 

It may seem like termites are bad and don't serve any purpose other than causing damage, but these pests are essential to the ecosystem. Termites are decomposers, and without them, organic matter would take a lot longer to break down, slowing new growth from developing.

Termites are destructive, creating billions of dollars worth of damage each year. Because termites often go unnoticed for some time, they can do significant damage that may even be dangerous if they eat through structurally integral wood.

Although these pests will damage your home in Southeast Florida or Atlanta, GA, you don't have to worry about them spreading diseases, biting, or stinging. But people living in an infested house can experience allergy and asthma irritation because of the dust created. 

Because of where we live, your home is already at a disadvantage when it comes to termites. And it's not only older homes that experience this pest; new homes regularly deal with termites, especially those with leaks and water damage. If you don't have the proper moisture barriers and preventatives in place, you can easily fall victim to a termite infestation. 

When looking for a new location to build their colony, termites are attracted to places that provide easy access to their preferred food source, the cellulose found in plants and wood. The most attractive type of wood for subterranean termites is soft or decaying wood, so if your home offers this, termites will make themselves at home. 

As mentioned above, mud tubes are typically one of the first signs of subterranean termites. These are usually found around the foundation of a house and a few vertical feet up. 

Other signs of these pests include:

• Termite swarmers, which are winged reproductives
• Piles of dropped wings
• Sounds coming from inside walls
• Drooping wallpaper or paint
• Droppings that look like sawdust

Because of the nature of termites, there is a chance you won't be able to find them on your own, so if you suspect these pests, don't wait to contact experts. 

Termites are not pests you should attempt to eliminate on your own. Trying to do so may only give them more time to do damage. Instead, look to the team at Squash A Bug Pest Control.

We offer termite control services provided by our trained and experienced techs. They will remove an active infestation and help you prevent a new one from happening. 

To prevent future problems with termites, you should:

• Ensure proper moister barriers are in place and undamaged
• Ventilation is working efficiently.
• Repair any leaks and dry out any affected areas. 
• Remove any water-damaged or decaying wood from your property.
• Keep soil and plants away from your foundation. 

Ask our experts at Squash A Bug Pest Control for more prevention tips when they come to treat your home for termites!