Every year we take the first week before spring and let people know what is coming. We warn them of the destructive nature of termites and show them some effective ways to protect their properties. To help you fight back against these home damaging pests, here is a guide for you to use.
Things You Should Know About Termites
We understand that not everyone is an expert on termites. To help you better understand these invasive and destructive pests, here are 12 lesser-known facts about termites. See how many you know!
- Termites eat wood or more specifically, the cellulose abundant in it.
- A property with piles of leaves, sticks, cardboard, and other wood-based items is more likely to attract termites.
- Termites never sleep and work constantly to build their nest and gather wood.
- Subterranean termites, the most common termite in Auburn, live underground.
- More than one colony of termites can be active around a single structure of wood.
- Termites are silent pests that often go unnoticed around properties for years after the invasion.
- Subterranean termites only eat wood that is softened by water damage, rot, or decay.
- Termites cost American property owners five billion dollars each year.
- Once a year during spring or fall, termites produce what are called swarmers. These winged reproductive termites have one job in life: find and establish a new nest.
- It takes a fully mature colony of termites six months to destroy a 2 x 4 worth of wood.
- Termite queens decide the role of their young by feeding them her pheromone-laden fecal matter.
- Termites have organs at the base of their antennae which they use to sense vibrations. They use this ability to decide which pieces of wood are edible and which are not.
What Are Termite Swarmers
A big part of Termite Awareness Week is raising awareness of swarmers. These reproductive pests are a common sight during the fall and are clear indications of a potential future problem or a preexisting infestation. Here is how to use swarmers around your home to assess your risk.
If swarmers are buzzing around your home, landing on window sills, crawling over exterior walls, and occasionally finding their way inside, it means there is an active colony somewhere near your home. It also means your home could be at risk of a future infestation.
If you find swarmers inside your home and very few outdoors, it means your home is currently infested. The only way these flying termites could have gotten inside is through holes chewed through your home’s structural wood.
One way to identify swarmers without seeing one of these pests is by the wings they discard around homes. Common areas to find swarmer wings include on windowsills, in spider webs, or on the ground.
The Best Way To Handle Termites
Whether your home currently has a termite infestation or not, professional pest control is what you need. If you didn’t know, termite damage is not covered in property insurance plans. The only way to protect your assets is with ongoing termite control.
At Prewett Pest Control, we offer comprehensive services to eliminate and prevent termites around Auburn properties. We will protect your home against wood-destroying pests. Call our team today to learn why our customers stick with us for life.