A week ago, I was reading an article from a website owned by one of the pest control companies here in North Carolina. It says there that one true sign that you have termites in the home is if you see even just one termite hanging around the house, then you have termite problems. It just so happened that I saw one before that, which I thought initially was a simple ant. I eventually found out, through this same article, that an ant has a narrowing at the waist, with a large head. Termites are more rectangular in shape. Another thing the article said was that another sign of termites is to check for hollow sounds when tapping on exposed wood in the house. I did so, and what followed next disturbed me. Upon knocking, the hollow sound was indeed present. My heart raced, “Oh my”, I thought. “I have termites in the house!”
I needed a pest control expert. Immediately after, I searched the internet for the best pest management in North Carolina. I checked Google and Facebook, and people have consistently rated as very high this one company, Go-Forth Home Services. With that, I called them through their phone number found on their website and set an appointment with them. The next morning, they came and basically took care of my problem. They were fast, efficient, very professional, and very friendly.
Had I known about this, termite proofing my house would be one of those on top of my list. It made me realize how necessary it should be for all homeowners.
This incident had me thinking, and led me to find out more about termites. I thought, hey, we need to be protected from these termites. I did get rid of them last week, but as long as there is wood to eat in my house, then my house is a sitting duck for these pests. Also, having talked to that these friendly people at Go-Forth inspired me to study what I can about these termites, and I wanted to share them with you.
Description Of Termites
“Silent Destroyers”. That is what people call them, and I can attest to that. I would not have known they were there if not for that article I read. Individually, termite does not seem to be harmful. Just one flick of a finger and they are gone. Multiply that by the thousands though, you have got a serious problem.
Annually, termites cause $2 Billion of damages to homes and office buildings, plus billions more in costs in trying to exterminate them. If a house is up for sale, the presence of termites may bring down its price, or it may even not be sold at all. It is always a good practice for the buyer to have the house inspected by a pest expert and have it certified as termite-free. Ask for a Wood Destroying Insect Report.
There are at least 2,000 species of termites in the world. Forty of these species can be found in the United States. They measure just about ¼ to ½ inches in length, yet they cause so many damages. They have straight bodies and short antennae. Their colors can be from light to brown.
The Most Common Types Of Termites Found In The United States
Right here, on our homes, there are four very common termites that some of you may be familiar with. Here they are:
Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites are called as such due to the fact that their nests usually contact the soil. Subterranean termites cause the most damage to our homes, even costing the economy billions of dollars. They also damage structures faster than any other termites. Their sharp teeth allow them to eat wood, books, paper, and other cellulose-based material. They prefer to live in moist, dark places, these were the same termites that attacked my home. I had a hard time detecting them because when they feed on the structural wood, they only eat the middle part and leaving the outer casing. Before I found out, it was too late.
Formosan Termites
This type of termites are very aggressive. They measure about 1/2 inch long. As far as bringing damage to structures, they do it faster than any other termites simply because they multiply quickly. Formosan termites’ nests contain millions of termites.
Drywood Termites
Drywood termites live in smaller colonies. These termites do not like too much moisture. They are 1/4 to 3/8 inches long. Drywood termites produce dry fecal pellets which could be found near their nests. They eat wood from inside out and leaving only the outside shell, just like any other termites. What differentiates them from other termites is that they do not need moisture.
Dampwood Termites
Dampwood termites are the opposite of dry wood termites in that they love high moisture. In terms of size, they are much larger than the subterranean termites. They are attracted to wood that is damaged by water. They also infest fallen lumber, logs, and tree branches that are on the ground.
Signs That You Have Termites
Now, these are the ones I missed - the signs. To be able to get rid of termites, you have to know when you have them. Here are some signs that you have a termite infestation in your home:
1. Termites eat the middle part of the wood and leave out the outer case. This will produce a hollow sound when knocked on. Knock on any exposed wood in your house and listen for a hollow sound.
2. Discarded wings found near doors, windows, and other places that can be entry points.
3. Mud tubes found wherever the ground meets the house.
4. Seeing an actual termite. If you see one, there is definitely more.
How Did I Get These Termites? What Attracts Them?
1. Termites are attracted to wood and cellulose materials. Lumber, firewood, paper, cardboard, boxes, and other cellulose materials are part of the termite diet. Store them as far away from the foundation as possible, because then the termites would have easy access.
2. Termites like warm, dark places where they will be left undisturbed.
3. Moist places. Except for the dry wood, termites are attracted to moisture. Plenty of moisture can be found on the soil that your house is built on, so make sure you remove moisture by repairing leaking faucets or pipes.
Termite Proofing Houses And Commercial Buildings
Now that we know how terrible these termites can become, we have to be prepared for them. To be prepared for them means termite proofing our homes or commercial buildings. How do we make them termite proof? Here are some ways you can do that.
1. When building your home or office buildings, purchase termite-resistant materials. Juniper, cedar, and redwood are such materials.
2. Move away wood scraps from the foundation.
3. Seal cracks and repair broken seals in the foundation of the house using 16-grit sand.
4. If you have wood that is exposed to moisture, seal it off using a weather sealer.
5. Remove stagnant water and moist soil near your home. Termites are attracted to wet areas.
6. Avoid buying furniture made of wood, if you can as much as possible.
7. Use boric acid on furniture. This is one mean acid that can kill termites. Spray it on wooden surfaces.
8. Clean your house regularly. Just as with any other pests, termites are attracted to dirt. Cleaning the house is one good deterrent.
9. Make good cross-ventilation through foundation wall vents to keep the crawl spaces dry. Make sure to maintain it too.
10. Have your house inspected by a pest control expert. When choosing a pest control company, know its background: Do they have excellent experience in termite control? Are they state-licensed? Do they have well-trained professionals? For the best in pest control management in North Carolina, I recommend Go-Forth Home Services. You may even request them to issue a Wood Destroying Insect Report for you.
The Best Pest Control Management In North Carolina
If you have termite infestation already, it would be no use to try DIYs. It would be definitely unsafe. When you have termite problems, look for the best in pest control all throughout North Carolina: Go-Forth Home Services.
Go-Forth is a family owned company specializing in pest control for more than 50 years now, and have already established their presence in different cities like Asheboro, Jamestown, Charlotte, West Columbia, Camden, Hickory, High Point, Greenville, Greensboro, and many other cities in North and South Carolina.
The company has a team of professionals who are highly skilled and well-trained and use only the latest and the most advanced equipment in the business. Their family-friendly and pet-friendly friendly methods of extermination ensure you that you and your family are always safe. If you are still having doubts, just look at their Facebook and google them too.
For more information, or if you want to set an appointment, contact them. Their friendly operators are standing by ready to assist you.