Termites

What are termites?

Subterranean termites are the most common and widespread species living across much of the United States. These termites nest in the ground in damp soil, not within the wood they've invades to feed their colony. Subterranean termites have two jobs. Their first job is to act as a food source for other animals. Their second job is to clear away dead wood and other decaying items made of cellulose.

Unfortunately, termites can’t tell the difference between decaying trees in wooded areas or water-damaged structural wood in our houses. When these insects get into our yards and homes, they are unwelcome. In addition to trees and structural wood, termites eat books, paper products, and plant-based goods.

termites

Termites are not related to ants, but they live and work together in large colonies like ants. A termite colony divides its members into different groups (castes). Workers gather food for and take care of the colony, soldiers protect the colony from danger, and reproductive members have wings and are responsible for creating more termites.

Are termites dangerous?

Termites are small in size, and a single termite can’t cause much damage; but, when thousands, hundreds of thousands, or millions of termites work together, the damage they cause is significant.

Termite damage does not happen overnight. It can take months or years for a termite colony to cause enough for a homeowner to notice it. Since the damage doesn’t happen quickly and is preventable, homeowners’ insurance doesn’t cover repair costs. Termites damage millions of homes across the country each year, which costs property owners billions of dollars in repairs.

Why do I have a termite problem?

Worker termites are constantly searching for food but don’t always know where they will end up. If there is a termite colony located on your property or a nearby property, it is likely termites will move inside your home while out foraging for food. They enter through cracks in the foundation, masonry walls, concrete walls, or through pieces of wood like deck posts making direct contact with the soil. Once inside, if they find reliable food sources, they will return day after day, working around the clock to feed their large colony.

Where will I find termites?

Subterranean termites prefer to attack wood located in damp, dark areas. Things like fallen trees, woodpiles, logs, landscaping ties, or areas of your home that rarely see sunlight are most susceptible to termite damage.

Subterranean termites typically enter homes and other structures at ground level. Over time and as the colony grows, they travel up walls and eventually damage the structural wood above ceilings. Structural wood most susceptible to termite damage is usually around pipes, windows, doors, and air conditioners.

If you find the following signs, chances are you have termites:

Blistered paint
Sagging ceilings or floors
Spongy floors
Windows and doors not opening or closing correctly
Exposed wood with troughs or tunnels running through it

How do I get rid of termites?

If you live in the Denver area and are experiencing problems with termites, contact the local professionals at Beeline Pest Control! Our experts have a deep understanding of termites, knowing the damage they cause, what attracts them, and how to accurately identify their presence. We focus on our customers and provide the most effective and modern pest control solutions possible. To learn more about our guaranteed termite control services, reach out to us today!

How can I prevent termites in the future?

Prevent future problems with termites with the help of our easy and practical prevention tips:

Keep mulch back away from the foundation. Maintain between a 12 and an 18-inch barrier between the mulch and foundation.
Ensure water isn’t collecting in the basement or crawl spaces of your home; if any water is collecting, repair the leak.
Doors and windows should have weatherstripping around them to prevent rainwater from seeping into your walls.
Use dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels in your house.
Repair leaky roofs that may be allowing rainwater and melting snow to seep into your ceiling.
Remove wood debris from your yard that could attract termites to your yard.

Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control services.