Termites are social, but not in a good way Submitted by HOMEMASTERS PEST CONTROL
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ermites are social insects, but you don’t want to host any gatherings for them in and around your home. They live in colonies and are typically found in the ground or in wood. They are usually divided into three groups, subterranean, drywood and dampwood, based on the location of their colonies. The most common termite in this area is the subterranean. The Eastern, Western and Formosan varieties pose the greatest threat to property. Subterranean termites are most likely to be found in crawlspace wood with high moisture content. Once termites have begun to infest a home, damage can appear in as little as a year depending on the size of the colony.
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Subterranean termites travel through mud tubes across brick, concrete and cement foundations and also wood framing and walls. Look out for these tubes, as they can be the first sign of an infestation. While it is always best to have a professional inspect your home for signs of termites, there are some signs of potential problems you can look for. Termites often swarm in warmer weather and after a rain shower to start new colonies. The swarming event is usually brief, so if you don’t see new colonies you are likely to see discarded wings around window sills, doors, heating vents, bathtubs and sinks after a swarm takes place. The mud tubes are generally about the size of a pencil and are normally found on
foundations or inside walls. Because termites eat wood from the inside out, you won’t notice any damage until it is already significant. Termites avoid light, but if you should see what you think is a termite, they are light-colored and are about the size of a grain of rice. So, what can you do to keep termites from using your home for one of their social gatherings? You can call the professionals at HomeMasters Pest Control. HomeMasters uses the Sentricon system to keep termites away, the same system used at landmarks such as the White House, the Statue of Liberty and Independence Hall. The Sentricon system introduces bait into your yard and home that termites can’t resist. One device is enough to
