What are termites?
Termites are destructive pests that strike fear in most homeowners. These insects consume wood and are one of the few organisms able to do so. When living outside, away from people, their feeding habits are helpful, breaking down decaying matter; when these wood-eating pests decide to nest on our properties and feed on the wood located in our homes, however, they become destructive, unwelcome pests.
Termites live together in large groups. The members of their colonies are divided into different castes, each with its own unique job. Reproductive members are fertile males and fertile female that are responsible for mating and creating new termites to expand their colony. Soldiers have powerful jaws that they use to defend the colony. Workers make up the largest caste and are responsible for gathering food for the colony.
Are termites dangerous?
Termites are dangerous pests not because they cause any direct harm to people, but because of the structural damage they cause inside of homes. Over time an untreated termite infestation leads to costly and extensive damage that is difficult to repair. Across the United States termites are responsible for billions of dollars in damages each year.
Why do I have a termite problem?
Termites often live in the moist soil located near homes and other buildings. As they are out foraging for food, their small size allows them to easily find their way inside through small cracks and crevices in a building’s foundation. They will also move inside through pieces of wood on your home that are making direct contact with the ground.
Once inside, they will continue foraging for food and stay when they discover your home’s structural wood! Termites enter houses at ground level and attack wood behind ceilings and under floors first, eventually moving their way up walls and above ceilings.
Where will I find termites?
Termites nest outside under the ground in moist soil. Most species do not nest in the wood they are feeding on. Instead, the workers travel back and forth from the nest to a food source each day.
When feeding on structural wood, they usually begin feeding on the wood behind walls or under floors damaged by water or located near water pipes. These destructive pests are rarely seen by homeowners, which allows them to work for months or years unnoticed. It is usually only once their damage comes to light that you know they’re there.
How do I get rid of termites?
Let the professionals at Old School Pest Control get rid of termites from your New York property. We put our customers first and will take the time to get to the root of your pest problem. Our pest solutions work to eliminate existing pests and will protect your New York property from pests in the future.
We are a local company and have a good understanding of the pest pressures that home and business owners face each day in and around Saratoga County. If you are ready to learn more about protecting your New York residential or commercial property from termites, reach out to Old School Pest Control today!
How can I prevent termites in the future?
- In addition to our home pest control and commercial pest control services, prevent problems with termites by implementing the following prevention tips:
- Remove any wood around your home damaged by water.
- Create a barrier between any soil or mulch and your home’s foundation.
- Make sure that wooden structures on your property are not making direct contact with the soil.
- Limit excess moisture in your home by utilizing dehumidifiers, fixing leaky pipes, and ventilating crawlspaces.
- Seal up cracks in your home’s foundation.
- Replace your wood mulch with a non-organic option.
- Place weatherstripping around windows and doors.
- Make sure gutters are free of debris to prevent rainwater from seeping into the roof or walls of your home.