Termites will be here before you know it! Is your home ready?

Spring is around the corner, and along with the warmer weather, pests will soon come out of the woodwork. Of these pests, the termite in particular is one you don’t want to mess with!

Is your home protected from these cellulose-chewing, destructive intruders? Here’s what you need to know about them and how you can keep them at bay.

Termite Types and The Damage They Cause

Formosan

Formosan termites originate from China and Taiwan, and live underground. Brought over from military ships during the 1940s, they are one of the most destructive types of termites. Their colony can grow up to a million members, causing great structural damage in a short span of time.

Nothing stands in their way: they are able to chew through PVC pipes, metal, and electric power lines, in order to get through to any cellulose material. Today, they are mostly found in the South, including Louisiana.

Eastern Subterranean Termites

Eastern Subterranean termites thrive in moisture. They build their nests in soil and wet wood, and make their way to above-ground wood by building mud tunnels.

An infestation of termites can mean a million of these critters chewing on your building’s foundation at once, which can cause devastating damage as a result. Subterranean termites can be found in all parts of the US except Alaska, though they are more commonly found in the humid and tropical areas.

Dampwood

True to its name, the dampwood termite loves moisture. That’s why they are usually found in wood that’s located near a water source, like leaky plumbing.

Larger than other types of termites, they do not need soil to thrive, and are usually found in the Pacific Northwest.

Dry wood

Dry wood termites are the exact opposite of dampwood termites. Even without moisture, they can thrive for a long period of time because they get water from the digestion of cellulose.

Dead trees, structural timbers, stored lumber, and hardwood floors are common nesting sites, which is also where they cause serious damage! However, they are smaller in size, which means that the damage they cause is at a slower rate as compared to the dampwood termite.

Look out for them in the early spring and summer, especially in humid states like California, Florida, Hawaii, Mississippi and our home of Louisiana.

Prevention Steps

Now that you know what kind of termites you are up against, what can you do about it?

Call in a Professional for an Inspection

Many signs of termites are easy to miss, especially to an untrained eye. A professional will be able to conduct a thorough inspection. Whether it’s crumbling drywall, small holes in any wood structures, sagging floors or doors, or insect wings, these are telltale signs that they will be able to pick up on.

The best way to remain termite-free is to get a professional to make regular inspections. With their training in termite behavior and biology, they will be able to treat and prevent termite infestations in a timely manner.

Consider Professional Treatments

Sentricon is applied in the form of baits placed around the termites’ underground mud tunnels. It prevents the termite from molting, which leads to its eventual death. Similarly, the termite passes the poison to the rest of the colony after it comes into contact with the colony.

Whether you suspect you have a termite problem, or simply want to prevent an infestation, it’s always wise to call on trusted professionals. Contact us today for a quote!