Termites: What You Need To Know

Even hearing the word "termites" can strike fear into the hearts of homeowners. Are they really that bad? How can you protect your home? Learn more about these infamous pests.

Termites have been around since the dinosaurs and have been destroying wood since then. Every homeowner knows to watch out for termites. How common are they in Virginia? Do they really cause that much damage?

What Do Termites Look Like?

Are Termites Really That Bad?

How Can I Protect My Home From Termites?

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What Do Termites Look Like?

Termites are small, only 1/4 - 1/2 inch long. They can be white, brown or black; have antennae and wings. Many times, termites and ants are mistaken for each other because of their similar size and appearance. Key differences to look for include: termites' wings are a uniform size, where ants' wings are different sizes from the front to the back; termites have thick waists, while ants have thin.

Termites are often hard to detect unless they are swarming. The workers tend to stay within their tunnels. One of the best ways to determine if you have a termite problem is to look for the mud tubes that termites use to travel between their nest and their food source- which is your wood. You can also tap on your wood, with a hollow sound indicating a possible termite issue. Often, termites tend to live at ground level or below, but they can swarm to the upper levels. Checking in basements, crawl spaces, and decks would be the first place to start.

Are Termites Really That Bad?

Yes, termites really are that bad. They cause several billions of dollars of damage to homes in the United States every year. Termites can cause safety issues in any wooden structure. They will eat decks, fences, porches, support beams, joists, floors, subflooring... anything wood is susceptible. Once termites have eaten through these wood pieces, the entire structural integrity is compromised and serious damage or even injury can occur.

Even if you catch it before the structure falls apart entirely or someone is injured, the cost of repair can be incredible or the repair itself even impossible.

How Can I Protect My Home From Termites?

Vigilance is key. Stay on top of inspecting your structures. Make it a point to take an often, quick look around your property. Check for mud tunnels, sawdust pools, exit holes, weakened or pitted wood, and especially swarms or even lone termites. Deal with any problem immediately! Call a professional pest control company as soon as you suspect any termite activity.

Don't try to tackle the problem yourself. Once you've seen evidence of termites, the best course of action to protect you and your home is to contract with a professional company that deals with termites.

We'd be happy to answer questions or help with your pest control any time! Give us a call today!

For even more information on Virginia pests, check out our pest library and other blog posts