Know Your Enemy
There are about 2000 known species of termites throughout
the world. In the U.S., Subterranean Termites, including
Eastern, Western, Desert and Formosans, which build
underground nests, are a concern in every state except
Alaska. Subterranean termites are extremely destructive,
because they tunnel their way to wooden structures (like
your home), into which they burrow to obtain food. Termites
all share a virtually insatiable appetite for wood and other
cellulose-containing materials. Given enough time, they will
feed on the wood until nothing is left but a shell.
Those "Ants"
Might be Termites
Both ants and termites have two
pairs of wings, but ants' wings are different sizes
while the termites' wings are all the same size.
Also, ants have narrowed waists and elbowed antennae
while termites have thick waists and short, straight
antennae that resemble strings of beads. Don't be
fooled by color or size. Ants can vary in size, and
winged termites can be brown or black like ants. |
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Termite Prevention Tips
Regular inspections by a licensed pest professional are the
only way to ensure your home truly is, and remains, free
from termites and the damage that they cause. Qualified pest
professionals have the training in termite biology and
behavior to identify, prevent, and treat termite problems. A
pest professional will perform a thorough inspection of your
home to determine if, where, and how termites are getting
in. They can also explain how to correct any conditions in
your home that invite termites.
For example:
- Don't affix wooden trellises to exterior walls.
- Keep mulch, wood debris, scrap lumber, sawdust, and
firewood away from your home. If you do keep firewood
outside your house during the winter, keep it raised off
the ground.
- Trim all shrubs, bushes and other dense greenery
away from the foundation of your home. Move mulch away
from the foundation as well.
- Don't bury wood debris near your home.
- Remove infested trees and stumps.
- Repair leaking faucets and water lines, both indoors
and outdoors.
- Fix leaky roofs and gutters.
- Don't allow leaves to accumulate in gutters and
drains.
- Grade soil so that water (including air conditioning
condensate) runs away from foundations.
- Ventilate crawl spaces and attics to reduce
humidity.
- Cover at least 90% of the soil in crawl spaces with
plastic sheeting.
- Ideally, wood siding, stucco, and foam board should
be at least six inches away from the ground.
- Seal all cracks and holes in your home's foundation,
which may provide a handy access point for termites.
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