Termites are small pests that look like ants but are much more destructive. These wood-eaters are capable of causing large-scale property damage that is costly and unsafe. That’s why we recommend professional pest control in Denton. At Adams Exterminating Company, we dedicate ourselves to protecting Denton homes and businesses from termite infestation.
Termite Identification Guide
When it comes to effective termite control, a good place to start is being able to identify these wood-eaters in the first place. The details of a termite’s appearance vary depending on its caste and life-cycle stage. All termites start as eggs, turn into larvae, and then go one of three ways, depending on their role within the colony. Either they become a worker, a soldier, or reproductive termites.
Worker termites are the most common type of termites in the colony. Workers are the ones that gather food, tend to eggs, repair the nest, and keep things running smoothly. Soldier termites act as the colony guards, doing what is necessary to protect the queen and the nest, as well as stop any intruders from entering.
Reproductive termites are royal members of the colony. They become nymphs after the larval stage. Then the nymph becomes an alate, also known as a reproductive termite. They fly around and mate, nesting in new places and creating new colonies. There are a handful of kings but only one queen per colony.
Now that you know about the caste system let’s get back to identification. Here are some characteristics of an adult worker termite to give you a general direction in your termite identification efforts.
- The body consists of two segments and a straight abdomen
- Distinct appendages including two antennae and six legs
- Vary in size, ranging from 1/8 – 1 inch in length
- Vary in color from dark brown to black
If you think you may have spotted any termite activity, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. Read on to learn more about termite infestation and the problems it can cause around your home.
Three Problems Termites Cause
Understanding the challenge you’re up against is essential because a termite infestation can be an absolute nightmare for local property owners. Here are three problems termites cause:
- As cellulose-feeders, termites feed on common construction materials that make up the structure of your home, including wood, plaster, and more.
- Termites breed in large numbers and can grow their colonies to spread throughout your structure in short periods. This can lead to largescale property damage that can cost you millions of dollars in repairs.
- As moisture pests, termites require moisture to survive, so the two problems go hand in hand. If you have termites, you likely have moisture problems to address, and if you have moisture problems, termites are drawn to your property, exposing you to termite damage.
It’s vital to be proactive in your prevention efforts to avoid the issues caused by termites. Luckily, there are a number of things you can do to minimize your exposure to termite activity.
What To Do When Your Termite Prevention Efforts Fail
Reducing attractants around your home can be very beneficial when it comes to preventing termite activity. However, no prevention methods are 100% effective on their own. You can control moisture issues around your home, remove damaged wood, and eliminate soil-to-wood contact, but the truth is it’s not easy to control termite activity. If you’re wondering what to do when your termite prevention efforts fail, there’s only one surefire protection method, and that’s securing professional termite control services.
Why Every Home Should Be Protected With Termite Control
The only guaranteed way to guard your home from termite damage is to reach out to a team of qualified pest professionals. Here at Adams Exterminating Company, we’re proud to provide year-round coverage from termites and the damages that come with them.
There are so many reasons why every home should be protected with termite control. As termites erode the structural timbers of your house, they make it an unsafe environment for you and your loved ones. Not only is termite damage a huge threat to your safety, but it’s also a big financial threat.
The N.P.M.A. (National Pest Management Association) estimates that U.S. home and business owners spend around five billion dollars annually on termite repair and prevention costs. What makes it worse is that most homeowners’ insurance plans don’t cover termite damage, further draining your finances and escalating the entire nightmare. Call Adams Exterminating Company today to address your termite control and prevention needs. We’re eager to help.