Termites are notorious for the extensive damage they cause to wooden structures, costing homeowners millions of dollars each year. The best approach is prevention—stopping an infestation before it starts. But how can you keep termites at bay? Let’s dive into some effective strategies.
Make Your Property Less Appealing to Termites
In the Four States region, the most common termite species is the subterranean termite. As their name implies, these termites live underground. Since they feed on the cellulose in wood, the key to preventing them from invading is eliminating any wood-to-soil contact on your property. Avoid burying wood or brush in your yard, and ensure that no wood from your home touches the ground.
Moisture is another factor that attracts termites. They are particularly drawn to damp or rotting wood, so it’s crucial to address any water damage or rot in and around your home immediately.
Learn to Identify Termites
Termite colonies are organized into castes, with each caste having distinct physical characteristics based on its role in the colony. Recognizing these differences can help identify termites early.
1. Reproductives
These termites are responsible for reproducing and expanding the colony. The queen and king are the primary reproducers, laying eggs to sustain the colony. Another group within this caste is the alates, also known as swarmers. Alates are winged termites that leave the colony in a swarm to mate and start new colonies. A termite swarm is one of the most visible signs of a nearby colony.
2. Workers
Workers form the bulk of the colony and are responsible for feeding and grooming other termites. They are equipped with large, powerful jaws that allow them to chew through wood, slowly destroying it. These termites are the ones doing the most damage as they forage for food.
3. Soldiers
Soldier termites defend the colony. Their oversized mandibles, which distinguish them from other castes, are used to protect the colony from threats. However, due to the size of their mandibles, soldiers cannot feed or groom themselves and rely on the workers to care for them.
Schedule Regular Termite Inspections and Treatments
In addition to making your property less attractive to termites, regular inspections and treatments are essential for ongoing protection. Routine inspections help catch any infestation early, allowing for immediate extermination. Preventative treatments also act as a barrier, discouraging termites from settling on your property in the first place.
Bug-A-Way Pest Control is here to provide comprehensive termite prevention and treatment services.