Charlotte Termite Control & Termite Control Monroe …

Subterranean Termites

Of all the pests that can cause problems for you and your home, termites cause the costliest and most extreme damage. Highly destructive creatures, they can consume a homes wooden elements from the inside without the homeowner even realizing there is a problem. Regular termite inspections are an important part of home maintenance in this part of the country. To help preserve the quality and integrity of your home, there are some questions you should be able to answer on this topic:

As the name suggests, Subterranean Termites live underground, forming massive colonies which consume wood and convert it to fuel. Constantly searching for new sources of food, they sometimes target wooden structures such as those found in home and commercial construction. Residential and commercial structures offer vast supplies of food to support a colonys growth. The total number of individuals in a colony of subterranean termites may be more than a million termites, so you can imagine just how much damage a subterranean termite colony can cause.

Subterranean Termites travel from their colony to your home through shelter tubes, also known as mud tubes. These shelter tubes may be visible on any surface near the ground, such as: slabs, foundation walls, floor framing, etc. Finding these tubes is an indication that subterranean termites have been or are currently present. They indicate at the very least that a professional inspection is necessary.

Signs of termite activity also include visual identification. While you might never see a queen, you might very well see other termites such as workers or swarmers. Workers are small, white insects which are blind and very sensitive to heat, cold, and dry air. Workers are responsible for building the mud tubes. Swarmers, or winged termites, are reproductive termites; their purpose is to leave the colony and start a new colony in another area. Seeing workers or swarmers is a definite sign of termite activity in your immediate vicinity. If you see either of these signs, do not wait! Call us for a termite inspection immediately!

NOTE: flying Ants are often confused with Subterranean Termites. Here are some helpful tips to help you tell them apart: Termites have a thick waist and ants have a narrow waist.

Along with Subterranean Termites, there are other wood destroying insects that we inspect for and help control: Powder Post Beetles are small brown or black beetles that are indiscriminate; they infest both moist and dry seasoned woods, and both hard and soft woods. Because of this, they can damage the structure of your home as well as wood floors, furniture, and cabinetry.

Old House Borers are another species of beetle reaching up to an inch in length. Unlike Powder Post Beetles, Old House Borers only infest softwoods. They are typically introduced to a home during construction and are particularly common in log homes.

Like other wood destroying insects, Powder Post Beetles and Old House Borers can be controlled but only if properly identified during professional inspections; annual infestation inspections are recommended.

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Charlotte Termite Control & Termite Control Monroe ...