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  • Writer's pictureArnaldo Connonier

How Do You Know If You Have Termites?


Termite problem in house

When you hear a loud buzzing noise in the night, you may think you are hearing the sounds of swarming Termites. Termites are not as noisy as other insects, but they are loud enough to be heard even without special equipment. The buzzing sound can also be caused by termite swarmers, which are mate-seeking insects that don't travel very far.


Termites swarm

If you are experiencing problems with termites, you may be wondering when the swarming season occurs. Termites swarm during warm, wet weather. A swarm happens when winged termites emerge from holes in soil and cracks in walls. The winged termites pair up to search for a new colony location. The queen termite then emerges as a new swarmer and the eggs she lays will hatch into workers in the new colony. Sometimes, the swarm may start earlier, if food supplies are running low.

If you are able to identify a swarm, you can start taking steps to stop it from happening again. First, remove any light source from the area around the home. Also, make sure that your gutters and downspouts are clean. These will help discourage the swarmers. Secondly, remove any dead trees or other wood that might attract termites. Lastly, keep in mind that termites feed on the cellulose content of plant matter and will swarm if it is near a building.


Termites eat wood every day

Termites eat wood daily, but the amount depends on the type of wood and species of termites. The number of termites in a colony can increase dramatically - as many as a million! While that may seem like a lot, it is important to remember that this number is not representative of how much wood a single termite eats. Instead, you should consider the number of termites in your colony and their average daily rate.

Termites use different methods to digest wood. First, they break down the wood into cellulose, which is digestible by termites. Secondly, they ingest bacteria that help them obtain nitrogen. These two steps in the process help the termites in their quest for food. The process can take as long as a year! Ultimately, termites consume thousands of tons of wood every year! And don't worry - there is good news!


Termites damage wood

Termites damage wood in several different ways. Some wood is simply wavy and hollow, while others may have a distinct, moldy appearance. Termite damage is not always obvious; it's important to ask yourself if the wood's appearance is typical of your neighborhood. If you suspect termite damage, you can also look for evidence of dry rot, which results from twenty percent or more exposure to moisture. Other common signs of rot include a mushy, musty smell, and cracked wood.

Despite these signs, you may not have been able to detect the termite infestation at an early stage. If the termites were to begin swarming, you may not have time to get rid of the problem. In this case, it's best to seek professional help. A professional termite inspector can help you identify the origins of the infestation and wipe it out before it gets worse. If you've discovered wood that has been damaged by termites, you should get it inspected by a pest control specialist.


Termites can be difficult to detect

Termites are tricky pests to identify, especially for homeowners who don't live in a high-risk area. These insects are best detected by observing fecal debris, and the presence of termites on walls, foundations, and wood. Drywood termites are especially difficult to detect. Unlike their subterranean counterparts, formosan termites cannot differentiate between light and dark, so they usually stay in darker areas to avoid predators. Drywood termites, on the other hand, live in warm coastal regions. Detecting these pests may take a while, but here are some tips to help you detect them.

The first sign of termite infestation is a hole in the wall. Termites build their tunnels through mud, feces, and saliva. You can tell if your walls have been infested by detecting small holes and damaged wood. However, if you notice winged termites inside your walls, you might have a dead colony. You can also check for mud trails in the foundation of your home. If you seek a port orange pest control company, contact us, we can help!

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