Termites rank as one of the most destructive insect pests in the world and are classified as invasive insects. They wreak havoc on the bones of your home and cause more than a billion dollars in damage annually in the United States alone. Formosan subterranean termites cause 1/3 of the total damage created by invasive insects and only exist within 40 degrees north and south of the Equator. As residents of the Lowcountry, we reside in a hot spot for Formosan termites, making the thought of not staying up-to-date on your termite warranty and protection a terrifying one.
Check out these termite fast facts and reach out to your friends at Hilton Head Exterminators for all of your termite treatment needs.
Termite Fast Fact 1:
Termites have been causing damage and destruction in the United States and North America since well before the Europeans arrived. There is even fossil evidence that they existed during the Cretaceous period. It’s clear that they aren’t going anywhere anytime soon! Termites cause more damage every year than earthquakes, house fires and hurricanes combined. And homeowner’s insurance doesn’t cover termite damage. That’s where we come in.
Termite Fast Fact 2:
There are 3 different types of termites – drywood, dampwood and subterranean. Subterranean termites include the Formosan variety and as their name implies, they infest homes from the ground up; directly into damp or damaged wood; or through mud tubes they’ve constructed along concrete foundations or in crawlspaces.
Termite Fast Fact 3:
Termites are commonly mistaken for carpenter ants. Not sure what pest you’re dealing with? Look for the following differentiating characteristics:
- Carpenter ants have a narrow waist compared to a termites notably solid body.
- Termites have uniform symmetrical wings, whereas carpenter ants have unequal wings.
- Carpenter ants have elbowed antennae while termites are straight.
- Once termites find a place to build their nest, they shed their wings.
Termite Fast Fact 4:
Termites eat wood from the inside out to build their colonies, so you may not even know you have them until your home has encountered significant structural damage. A mature colony will have a large number of feeding and nesting sites all connected by tunnels. One single colony can consist of more than a million termites and can spread across half an acre of land. These pests may be small but they are incredibly mighty and destructive!
Termite Fast Fact 5:
Termite control requires the skill of a professional. In order to eliminate termites, specific equipment and pesticides are required and the only sure-fire way to do this is with professional treatment.