termites all over a dry log
Termites

What are Termites

Termites are one of the most destructive pests on the planet. Termites are beneficial in nature because they feed on decaying and dead wood. However, they can become a problem when they chew on structural wood in buildings. Each year, they cause billions of dollars worth of damage across the United States. Termites split the colony members into three distinct castes: soldiers, workers, and reproductives.

Termites like to eat dead plant matter such as woodchip, leaf litter, soil, and decayed logs. Although they are often called "white ants", they are not closely related to ants.

The United States has approximately 50 species of termites. These termites are most often found in American homes:

termites on the ground

How do you know if you have termite damage?

Termites can cause serious damage to homes

Termites can be ecologically beneficial as they help to reduce soil detritus and add nutrients to the soil. However, termites' feeding habits can also cause serious damage to homes. Termites can cause structural damage to wood structures by eating primarily on wood. Termite damage to structures can make them unlivable, even if expensive repairs are made.

 

Structural property loss

Not only are homes made mainly of wood at risk from termite activity, but so is any other structure. Termites can also infest homes made of other materials. They are capable of navigating through plaster, metal siding, and many other materials. These termites feed on wooden furniture, ceilings, cabinets, and floors within these homes.

It is important that termites are not missed before significant damage has been done. This is why it is recommended that homeowners with termite problems contact professionals before trying to solve the problem themselves. A professional will inspect the property to identify the problem. They will also discuss treatment options with homeowners.

 

How to Identify Wood that is Damaged

Different types of termites can cause damage to homes in different ways. Drywood termites are found in tropical areas that are humid and produce wood pellets or powders from their burrows. By tunneling too close, they can cause wood to become blistered.

Wood that is soft to the touch is a sign of dampwood termite infestation. Also, dampwood termite infestation is more common in moisture-damaged wood. The wood infested with dampwood termites usually shows no external damage, as the fecal material is plugged with any openings in it.

Subterranean termites, which are also more common, are even more prevalent. Subterranean termites cannot live outdoors so they create galleries in timber. Even wood that appears clean from the outside can be infested by tunnels. Tap or probe the area with a screwdriver to determine if it is infested. It is simple to puncture severely damaged timber as it sounds hollow. Most likely to be affected is untreated wood or damp wood that comes in contact with soil. Formosan termites, which are primarily soil-residing termites, can form aerial nests.

How to check for termites in your home

Termites cause more damage to American homes each year than all natural disasters. Homeowners can prevent future infestations by catching them early. Residents can catch any pest activity early by performing careful inspections. Termites can be identified by flying swarmers and wood damage as well as shelter tubes.

Termite Inspection & Removal

Many of these tests can be done by homeowners on their own. Professional pest control technicians are more knowledgeable about termite biology, habits, building methods and other aspects of the pest. They can conduct more thorough and effective inspections. Professional pest control technicians have the best tools and equipment to locate termite nests, assess the extent of damage, and provide termite treatment.

How Alta Pest Control Protects Your Home From Pests

All of our treatment plans are customized to your home and yard. We do this to ensure that you get the exact coverage you need to keep your home safe. All of our technicians and inspectors are experts in their field, so you can be sure that you are getting top-tier protection.

01
Inspection

One of our expert technicians will inspect every inch of your home and business for pest activity. Then they will create a custom plan based on their findings.

02
Initial Service

Once your custom plan is created, we will treat your home and yard to give you immediate relief from pests. Then, we will create a boundary around your property to prevent more pests from entering.

03
Follow Ups

After the initial service, we will conduct regular maintenance to ensure that your pest problems remain solved. We will also conduct free inspections for problem pests, such as termites.

04
Alta Guarantee

When it comes to pest control, we put our money where our mouth is. If we treat your home, and you're still seeing pests, we'll come back and retreat for free. We'll always have your back.

Termites Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are termites dangerous?

Termites are not harmful to humans. Termites spend their entire lives underground, or in the wood they are eating. They rarely come in direct contact with humans. The most serious threat they pose is the extensive structural damage they do to houses and other buildings. Termite damage is also not covered by most homeowner's insurance. This makes it extremely expensive to repair.

Although termites aren't directly dangerous, their presence in your home could indicate a problem with moisture or mold. Mold growth in your home can cause health problems for you and your loved ones.

What is the cause of my termite problem?

Termites can find their way onto your property if they are infested by termites. A termite "swarm" is when termites, which are winged, reproductive termites, swarm from a mature nest to search for a mate or a new nesting site. While out foraging for food, they may find their way onto your property and into your home.

Eastern subterranean termites can enter homes through cracks or wood in the foundation that are making contact with the soil. Formosan termites can enter buildings from the ground or overhead, often through openings in roofs.

Where can I find termites in my area?

Formosan termites are unique in that they can enter structures at both ground and aerial levels. They can build carton nests and nest above ground. They can access their homes from their nests through the exterior walls, around windows and doors, or on the roof.

Eastern subterranean termites nest underground, not above the ground. These two species move back and forth daily from their nesting areas to find their food sources. They don't nest in the wood that they are eating.

What can I do to get rid of termites?

Alta Pest Control, a family-owned business, is the best option to eliminate termites from your house or business. You can rest assured that your pest problems won't return and we offer quick response times. Our termite professionals offer quality pest control services using only the best products to eradicate termites from your home. Find out why Alta Pest Control is the preferred pest control company for your neighbors. Give us a shout today!

What can I do to prevent termites from happening in the future?

You can prevent termite problems by partnering with Alta Pest Control.

  • To prevent water damage and seepage into walls, clean out gutters.
  • To dry basements and crawl spaces, use dehumidifiers
  • Make sure your crawl spaces are properly ventilated.
  • Leakage in pipes, fixtures, and faucets can be fixed.
  • Get rid of any wood that has been damaged by water.
  • Between any soil or mulch, at least 18 inches should be between your foundation and it.
  • Replace mulch with non-organic gardening materials such as crushed rock and rubber mulch if possible.
  • Replacing missing roof shingles and repairing roof damage is possible.

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