The Secrets About Subterranean Termites
THEY CAN SNEAK INTO YOUR HOME JUST ABOUT ANYWHERE
Summer is over and Monsoon season is here so that means the time is ripe for termites to invade your home. Just mentioning these pests strike fear into the heart of any homeowner, and rightfully so. A single colony can have up to 1 million termites, no wonder they pose such a grave threat to your home and bank account.
Subterranean termites can get into your home from cracks and holes as small as a penny and can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your home and are relentless insects. Even though you cannot see these pests, you should always keep an eye out for evidence of their presence such as sunken or puffed up wood and mud tubes.
Fun fact: Subterranean termites are nonstop eating machines—they will feast on your woodwork while you sleep. A single colony will consume more than 100 pounds of wood a year.
You Can Make Your Home Less Welcoming
There is a saying, “you either have termites or you’re going to get them”. The best way to keep these pests from destroying your home is by having your home inspected by professionals to prevent long-term damage. October and November are usually the busiest months for infestations, and pest control companies are extremely busy removing them from homes.
To make your home less welcoming to these pests, a homeowner can keep moisture, clutter, and dead foliage clear so you can view those areas where the termites are coming up. You can also store wood materials, such as firewood, as far from your home as possible. Installing baits around your home’s perimeter helps or you can hire a pest control expert for annual inspections and termite treatments.
So remember:
- Keep moisture away from the foundation.
- Seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home.
- Repair leaking faucets, water pipes and AC units which are on the outside of the home.
- Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and 5 inches off the ground.
- Have the foundation of your home routinely inspected.
Good Idea: If you’re getting a treatment, check the spacing between the holes they drill to insert the chemicals. They should be no more than 14-16 inches apart.
How to Spot Termites
Rain storms bring pest swarms in the the sunny state of Arizona. Warm, wet weather causes both ants and termites to come out to play, but how do you know if that dark cloud of flying insects are ants or termites?
Ants and termites are very similar, they are the same size but there are a few ways to tell them apart. Termites have long, wide bodies while an ant have slender bodies. Termites have two pairs of wings that are all the same size, while an ant has one pair of large wings and a second pair of smaller wings. Also, a termites’ antenna are straight while an ants’ are bent.
FUN FACT: Subterranean termites are known as the “silent destroyers” because of their ability to chew through wood, flooring and concrete foundations undetected for years.
Does Homeowner Insurance Cover Damage?
No one invites Subterranean termites into their home, but you are expected to invest in getting regular pest inspections and treatments.
Having a termite infestation almost always means that you have neglected your maintenance duties. That’s why termite damage generally isn’t covered by home insurance. It’s something you can avoid to prevent the financial headache of termite damage in your home.
Do I Need a Termite Warranty in Tucson?
Damage can be expensive to repair so most homeowners want to protect their properties with a good termite warranty.
However, there is a misconception that treatment made on new homes will protect that home from termites forever – in Arizona that protection lasts for only 3 years. Keeping your warranty with a pest control company up to date annually will continue your protection.
Termites are the worst nightmares for home sellers. Because termites feed primarily on wood, they can make selling your home difficult if the structural integrity, stability, and safety of your home is compromised. But having a warranty in place can be a selling point.
Call Professional Pest Control
If you’re at all worried about a subterranean termite infestation getting out of hand, call us, Conquistador Pest & Termite (BUS 2022 | QP 1289). We can discuss treatment options and learn more about what might be causing the problem. We recommend a free inspection of the perimeter of your home to make sure all cracks and crevices that subteranean termite could use as access points are sealed.
