Termites
What are termites?
Termites are a social group of wood-destroying insects that live and work together in large colonies. Termites divide themselves into different castes: workers, soldiers, and reproductives (kings and queens). When living outside, termites are extremely beneficial and help to eliminate decaying plant materials. However, when termites find their way inside of a home or other structure, their feeding habits become extremely damaging. The most common species of termite found living in our area is the Eastern subterranean termite. As their name implies, Eastern subterranean termites nest underground.
Are termites dangerous?
Termites are dangerous pests, due to the extensive and costly structural damage they can cause inside of a home or other structure they decide to invade. Adding to this expensive cost is the fact that termite damage is not something homeowners insurance companies cover. Termites have the ability to enter homes from the ground, unseen, where they work silently for months or years. Unfortunately, a termite infestation isn’t often discovered until their damage is noticed. The best way to protect your property from these damaging pests is to be proactive and partner with a professional that has experience controlling and eliminating termites.
Why do I have a termite problem?
Termites often find their way onto the property after a termite swarm; this is when reproductive members emerge from the colony to mate and create a new colony of their own. They also can make their way onto your property from a neighboring property while foraging for food. Termites are attracted to properties with plentiful decaying plant matter and moist soil that they can feed on. Termites nest outside under the ground, but will often accidentally find their way into homes and other buildings through cracks in the foundation while foraging for food. They also commonly enter homes through soil that comes in contact with door frames, deck posts, wood shingles, and porch supports.
Where will I find termites?
Termites travel back and forth from their underground nest to their food sources through underground tunnels and mud tubes. Mud tubes allow them to travel above the ground while retaining their high moisture needs and keeping them out of view of predators. Termites are highly attracted to structural wood that has been previously damaged by water. Inside your property, termites are found tunneling through and feeding on structural wood located behind walls, below floors, above ceilings, or behind wooden trim.
How do I get rid of termites?
To eliminate current problems with termites, as well as prevent future problems, it is best to partner with an experienced professional. At Bugaboo Pest Control, our service professionals provide customers with the residential or commercial pest control services needed to solve your unique termite problem. To learn more about our full-service termite extermination services that are offered throughout New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, and northern Delaware, contact Bugaboo Pest Control today!
How can I prevent termites in the future?
Termites have the potential to cause expensive property damage in New Jersey and the surrounding area, but the following tips can deter termites from your property:
- Remove fallen trees, tree limbs, leaf piles, and other organic debris from your property.
- Limit wood to soil contact on your property and especially around your home.
- Leave a barrier between the foundation of your property and any mulch or soil.
- Store firewood and scrap wood a good distance away from the exterior of your home.
- Reduce moisture levels in your home or business by using dehumidifiers.
- Fix leaky pipes or fixtures and remove any structural wood that has been damaged by water.
- Seal entry points in the foundation, exterior walls, and roofline of your building for small holes, cracks, or crevices.
