Preparing for Termite Season

Spring is termite season! Shortly after a warm rain, termite swarmers emerge from the ground and holes in wood, take flight, and start new colonies.

Termites cause nearly $5 billion in damage to homes in the U.S. every year. They are complex, hard to detect, and difficult to eliminate. So, how do you tell if you have a termite problem?

Do I have termites?

Termites are found in every state except Alaska, though they are most at home in warmer climates. They are cream-colored and about 1/8″ long. Termites live in underground colonies and move around in search of water and food (wood).

Because termite bodies dehydrate very quickly, they travel inside mud tubes (see right). These tubes are usually found indoors, along the foundation of your crawlspace or an unfinished part of your basement.

How extensive can termite damage be?

Termite damage starts small, as colonies take time to develop. As a result, damage can go unnoticed for many years. When left untreated, termites can severely impact your home’s structural integrity. The maze-like tunnels they chew through structural supports can cause ceilings, walls, and floors to buckle or even collapse. On an aesthetic level, termites can also ruin carpeting, furniture, or flooring.

Whether the damage is structural or aesthetic, it often costs thousands of dollars to repair and isn’t always covered by insurance.

Termites vs. ants

Termites are not the only insect to damage wood—carpenter ants do as well, and the damage caused by these two pests looks very similar. However, carpenter ants do not “eat” wood—they make a home in it by carving galleries and carrying out the sawdust. Termites use the wood for food and backfill the galleries with soil.

If you see sawdust, you probably have ants. But if you see holes filled with dirt, you’re likely dealing with termites (see right).

Termite treatment

We highly recommend seeking help from a professional. Pest management professionals have specialized training, equipment, and access to products specifically designed to eliminate the entire colony and protect your home for years to come.

Green Valley’s termite extermination program includes Termidor—the insecticide of choice for most U.S. homes. Treatment takes about half a day and lasts for at least 10 years. To set up an inspection or get a free quote, call us toll-free at 1-888-782-4543.

Sources: https://www.pestworld.org/pest-guide/termites/subterranean-termites/, https://www.pestworld.org/news-hub/pest-articles/new-year-same-termite-damage/, https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef604, https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Invertebrates/Termites, https://www.thespruce.com/difference-between-ants-and-termites-2656329