There is no denying the fact that termites are one of the most destructive forces in nature. It has been estimated that termites cost home and business owners in the United States over 5 billion dollars each year. Add to this the fact that termite damage is not covered by conventional property insurance plans and you have a threat that cannot be ignored.
Aren’t termites helpful?
Termites are a vital part of nature in the way they assist in the deterioration of dead and dying trees. Without termites, there would be a lot more rotting trees lying on our forest floors. Termites are not, however, helpful when they invade the wood of our homes. Our homes are: A) Not in need of decay, and B) Currently being lived in!
What Attracts Termites To Homes?
So what is it that is so appealing about our homes and businesses to these critters? The biggest factor that contributes to the appeal of wooden structures to termites is moisture. Subterranean termites, which are the most common species of termites here in Elizabethtown, sometimes travel through mud tubes to stay moist when invading and into the wood of homes. These pencil-sized mud tubes can sometimes be found running up stone or cement foundations and along piping. These mud tubes are perfect for providing termites with the protection they need from predators, dehydration, and sunburn.
What Do Termites Eat?
Termites feed on anything containing cellulose, which is the main component found in wood. Termites also tunnel through non-cellulose materials such as foam-board insulation found in crawlspaces and sheetrock found in walls. Wood mulch in landscaping is a great snack for hungry termites and is often the reason termites are drawn to your home in the first place.
Can Termites Kill You?
The good news is that termites are only a threat to your home. They are not known vectors for any dangerous diseases and cannot bite or sting you. The only way termites will ever hurt you is with the structural damage they cause to your home.
Can A Termite Infestation Make You Sick?
Although termites cannot directly cause you harm, there are some things they do that can indirectly pose a threat to you and your family. Because of the way termites tunnel through water-damaged wood, mold is often spread with a termite infestation. This mold can cause various fungal infections, skin allergies, and even skin diseases.
Signs Of Termites In Homes
Spotting termites can be a difficult task because of the way they invade deep into your home's wood. There are some things you can keep your eye out for such as the mud tubes discussed earlier, or wet wood that termites love so much. But besides these things, the only way to know for sure if your home has termites is by calling in a professional for a thorough inspection.
How Action Can Help With Termites
Whether your home or business has termites or not, investing in a termite protection plan is crucial. Here at Action Pest Control, our termite control services not only protect your property from future termites, it also eliminates present termite colonies as well.
If you would like to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services, reach out today!