Performing termite treatments for many years, we have heard many misconceptions from homeowners about termites. Termites are wood destroying insects that can silently eat and destroy your home out from under you. In Pennsylvania, we only have subterranean termites so that is what we will focus on. Many of these facts are universal to termites in general but may not apply to the termites in your area.
Let’s set the record straight by discussing termites myths vs facts!
1) Myth: Termites only eat wood
As homeowners, we are most concerned about termites eating the wood support of our homes. Termites have a bacterium in their gut that allows them to eat and digest wood fibers. Specifically, termites eat cellulose, which wood is made from.
There are other materials made of cellulose that termites will feed on including:
- Paper and Cardboard
- Soil (can ingest to absorb organic material)
- Fungi
- Other plant materials such as dry grass, leaves, roots, and crop residues
2) Myth: Termites are only a problem in old houses
Termites will attack and eat into wood of old and new homes. As long as there is moisture and wood, the termites will be there. Many new homes must have a termite pre-treatment done to help prevent termite infestations. These treatments usually only last a few years.
We have performed termite treatments on brand new homes and old homes alike. Sometimes new homes are more desirable to a termite because the soil was disturbed during construction.
Additionally, new construction homes may have had trees removed from the property. The remaining stumps and roots of the removed trees can also attract termites.
Whether you have a brand-new home, or a home that’s over 100 years old, termites can attack it.
3) Myth: You can easily see if you have a termite infestation
Subterranean termites live and travel under the ground and in the wood. This makes them very difficult to see. You may see termites when you are working in the garden or planting new landscaping. As you turn the soil, you may see little white termites in the soil.
Many times, we only discover termite activity by the damage they cause. Some of the symptoms of a termite problem include:
- Termite Mud Shelter Tubes
- Termite Damage to wood
- Termite Swarmers or “ants with wings”
You can learn more about termite activity and evidence by checking out our page:
4) Myth: Termites are just like ants
Termites and ants do have some similarities but are more different than alike. Both ants and termites are social insects that live in colonies with one queen. They both have workers that support the colony, and both produce winged reproductive individuals called swarmers or alates. Ants and termites are also small and have 6 legs. This is where the similarities between termites and ants ends.
Termites, unlike ants, can actually eat and digest wood. Carpenter ants can damage wood but cannot actually eat or digest the wood. This is why there are wood shavings with ants and not with termites.
Termites live primarily under the ground and in the wood. Ants can easily be found running around on the surface and inside of a home.
Termites can go un-noticed for years where ants are visible and can be easily identified.
Treating for termites requires a different, more in-depth treatment than ant treatments.
5) Myth: Concrete homes are immune from termites
Although termites cannot eat concrete, they can damage concrete homes. We have found and treated for termites in commercial buildings that have poured concrete walls with no wood nearby.
Termites cannot directly damage concrete structures. They can follow along the cracks in the concrete allowing water to enter. This water can then expand and begin to cause damage to the structure.
Even in structures and homes that have concrete basements, the termites can follow along the cracks in the concrete looking for the wood floor joists and supports.
6) Myth: Termites only live in warm climates
There are many species of termites that can only live in warm climates. Subterranean termites, however, can live and thrive in cooler climates like we have in Pennsylvania. In the cold months of winter, the termites are in the wood or under the ground shielding them from the cold of winter.
Subterranean termites can be found as far north as the Canadian border. We have them in all of Pennsylvania and most of the Northeastern United States.
Just because it’s cold outside, doesn’t mean that the termites are gone for good. They may go dormant or have found a warmer place under the ground or in the wood of your home.
7) Myth: Eliminating visible termites solves the problem
If you happen to find some termites in the soil or find winged swarmers in the basement, you may be tempted to eliminate them yourself. Although you have eliminated a few termites, the termite colony as a whole is unaffected.
A termite colony can have as many as 2 million workers! This means that even if you destroy hundreds of termites, there are many more in the colony.
The most effective way of eliminating termite infestations is to use their social nature against them. This means applying termite products that will transfer back to the colony and destroy the colony from within.
You can learn more about termite treatments by checking out our article:
8) Myth: Over-the-counter sprays work against termites
Since subterranean termites live under the ground and in the wood, over-the-counter termite sprays are rarely effective. Considering that termite colonies can up to 2 million termites, a small bottle of termite juice is not going to make a dent.
Although we are biased since we are a termite control company, the fact remains that the average homeowner cannot resolve a termite infestation themselves.
Homeowners do not have access to the professional equipment and termite chemical to effectively treat the problem themselves.
Don’t believe us? Check out our article on DIY termite control:
9) Myth: Termites are a sign of poor home maintenance
Termites do not care whether your home is in great shape or falling apart. They only care about moisture and wood, which they need to live and eat. We have found and treated immaculate homes as well as dilapidated shacks and everything in-between.
Termites only care about the wood in your home and not the condition of your home. It is easier to find and eradicate termite infestations when the home is in good repair though.
The best way to avoid termites is to prevent them in the first place.
12 proven ways to prevent termite infestations in your home.
10) Myth: Any pest control company can treat my termites
Finding a reputable pest control and termite control company is critical to resolving your termite infestation. Look for a highly rated, local termite control company to eradicate the termites in your house. They will be able to properly identify the termite issue, treat the termites, and provide guidance on how to prevent the termites from returning.
If you live in Southeastern Pennsylvania, Prudential Pest Solutions has the termite control solutions for your home.
As a highly rated, local termite control company, we provide the very best in termite control and prevention services.
All of our termite treatments come with a warranty so you can rest easy knowing your home is protected.
Need a termite control company?
Prudential Pest Solutions provides the very best termite control and prevention services to Southeastern Pennsylvania. Our termite treatments will protect your home for years and years. Your home is your largest investment, trust the experts at Prudential Pest Solutions with your termite control.
Prudential Pest Solutions provides professional termite control solutions to Southeastern Pennsylvania including:
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