Tips and Resources for Termites

 

 

Subterranean termites are the type most likely to attack your home. Although species vary throughout the United State the termite that calls South Carolina its is the Eastern subterranean termite. The Eastern subterranean termite is a serious economic timber pest causing millions of dollars of damage throughout the areas where it is located. It is estimated that more than 1 in 5 homes in the high activity areas, been or will be attacked at sometime by these voracious little insects.

Fast Facts about the Eastern subterranean termite:

  • Within a termite nest there are six members of the castes system;the King and Queen, Eggs, Nymphs, Workers, Soldiers and Winged Reproducers.
  • Termites are typically located underground but can also exist above ground, usually due to excess moisture resulting from a roof or plumbing leak
  • There can be anywhere from 10,000 to a 1,000,000 termites in a single colony
  • The Queen of the colony can lay up to 2,000 eggs in a single day
  • The Queen can live as long as 30 years
  • The workers are by far the largest caste in the eastern subterranean termite colony and due the most destruction
  • The soldiers are the defenders of the colony

 

Termite Prevention Tips

When it comes to gaining access to your home, termites are amazingly proficient. The last thing you want to do is make their job easier. Once you have contacted an Apex Termite and Pest Control Professional to uncover, control, and prevent termites from ever entering your home again, here are a few helpful tips that will limit the chances of them coming near home.

  1. Trim all shrubs, bushes and other dense greenery away from the foundation of your home. Move mulch away from the foundation as well.
  2. Don't stack, store or bury wood debris adjacent to your home.
  3. Remove infested trees and stumps.
  4. Repair leaking faucets and water lines, both indoors and outdoors.
  5. Fix leaky roofs and gutters.
  6. Don't allow leaves to accumulate in gutters and drains.
  7. Grade soil so that water (including air conditioning condensate) runs away from foundations.
  8. Ventilate crawl spaces and attics to reduce humidity. (Temperature Vents)
  9. Cover at least 90%-80% of the soil in crawl spaces with plastic sheeting. (Vapor Barriers)
  10. Ideally, wood siding, stucco and foam board should be at least six inches away from the ground.
  11. Seal all cracks and holes in your home's foundation, which may provide a handy access point for termites.
  12. Small holes in wood, crumbling drywall, sagging doors or floors, insect wings and small shelter tubes are some of the more obvious signs of a potential infestation of termites. But even if you don't notice any of these signs, that doesn't necessarily mean termites, or the conditions that invite them, aren't there.

Regular inspections by a licensed pest professional are the best way to help 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 infestations. A Termidor certified 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.