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Termites are often directed to as “silent ruiner” because of their ability to silently and quickly damage the wooden structures of buildings. Termites typically travel in search of food and can move from one house to another through tunnels or small cracks in the walls. They especially like moist areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
Homeowners should examine their homes for signs of termites, such as mud tubes or sawdust inside the house. They should also look for damage to wooden surfaces, including floors and walls. They should immediately contact a pest control company to evaluate and treat the house if they suspect a termite colony.
What Are Termites?
Termites are small, social insects that live in colonies and feed on wood and other cellulose-based materials. They are one of the most dangerous pests in the world and can cause significant damage to homes and buildings if left untreated. U.S. Department of Agriculture stated that there are more than 2,300 species of termites worldwide, and many of these can damage 600,000 buildings.
They can be found in many places around the world. Still, they are most numerous in tropical regions with plenty of decaying wood material. Termites are rarely seen as they are hidden underground or inside wood structures. The termites spread from house include mud tubes, sawdust or termite droppings, and damaged wood surfaces.
Types Of Termites
There are several types of termites, some specializing in tunneling through soil or grass and others feeding on wood.
Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites are a type of social, wood-eating insect that can cause fast damage to homes and other buildings if left untreated. They are found all around the world and tend to be more numerous in tropical regions where there is decaying wood material available. Subterranean termites live in large colonies and feed on cellulose-based such as paper, wood, and cardboard.
While subterranean termites may travel to other demolished houses through tunnels or small cracks in the walls, they are typically attracted to moist areas such as kitchens and basements. Therefore, homeowners should regularly inspect their homes for signs of a termite infestation, including mud tubes or piles of sawdust.
If they suspect a termite infestation, it is important to immediately contact a pest control expert for the house’s evaluation and termite treatment. Failure to do so may significantly damage the building and its contents.
Drywood Termites
Drywood termites are another type of social, wood-eating insect that can provoke damage to buildings if left untreated. These termites live in small family groups that feed on cellulose-based things.
Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites do not tunnel through soil or grass to reach new food termites source. Instead, they can travel through small cracks and openings in the walls of buildings.
Because drywood termites typically live in warm, tropical regions with plenty of decaying wood material available, they are one of the most common types of termites found worldwide.
Different Ways For Termite Travel
Termites are skilled travelers who can migrate from one property to another in various ways.
Through Mud Tunnels
One of the most common ways that termites travel is through mud tubes. These are small, tube-like structures created by insects to protect themselves from predators, natural elements, and other threats as they move between homes or plants.
Swarming Season
During their swarming season, termites often travel between colonies by flight. This happens when winged males and females, known as alates or swarmers, meet to mate and form new colonies. These flights typically occur in the spring and summer but can also occur during other times of the year, depending on the termite colonies.
Through Old Wood
Termites can also travel through old wood furniture, nesting in hidden areas that offer protection from predators and the elements. These include walls, attics, crawl spaces of buildings, or hollow trees and stumps in nature.
While termites can infest any home or building made with wood or other cellulose-based materials, the best way to prevent an infestation is with regular treatments and termite inspections by a pest control expert.
Come From New Construction
Another potential source of termite infestation is new construction. When wood or other materials are used as part of a building’s structure, it may be possible for termites to move from one piece to another and take up residence in the home.
To prevent termite damage, homeowners should keep their properties free from cracks and other openings that termites may use to travel between buildings. This can be done through regular inspections, termite treatments, and preventative measures such as termite shields or repellents.
In addition, removing any construction wood debris or plant material near a building’s foundation is essential, which may serve as a food source for these insects. While termites can cause significant damage to a home if left untreated, early detection and prevention are crucial to protecting property and eliminating termite damage.
What Attracts Termites?
Several things can attract termites to a home or property. These include:
- Wooden structures, such as decks and fences
- Grass and other plant materials near the foundation of a building
- Decaying wood, which is a natural food source for these insects
- Excessive mulch and other organic materials
- Warm, damp areas in and around a home, as these provide an ideal environment for termites to thrive
- Moisture sources, such as leaks in the foundation, broken pipes, and improperly sealed windows and doors
Preventative Measures For Termites Traveling To Your House
Termites can travel from one house to another by various means of transportation. They can fly short distances like flying ants and move from one building to another in search of a food source. Termites will often travel through tunnels or small cracks in the walls, which allow them easy access to other homes nearby. They especially like to stay in dark, damp places where they can easily feed on wood and other cellulose-based materials.
To protect a home from termites, it is essential to take preventative measures such as regularly inspecting for signs of a termite problem, using chemical treatments and barriers to control the population, and sealing any cracks or openings in the walls. Additionally, keeping the home well-ventilated and dry is essential by regularly checking for water damage or leaks in the plumbing system. If a termite infestation is discovered, it is essential to immediately contact a pest control expert for an evaluation and treatment of the house.
Invest in a regular termite inspection and treatment plan to avoid termite infestations. This can be done by a professional pest control expert or by installing preventative measures such as chemical treatments, physical barriers, and other methods. It is also essential to keep the home well-maintained and dry, as this will make it less attractive to termites. It is necessary to regularly inspect the property for signs of termite damage or infestation, such as mud tubes or piles of sawdust. Following these tips can effectively protect your home from destructive termite infestations.
Hire Ortex Systems Professional For Termite Removal
Hiring a professional for termite removal is the best way to ensure that your home is free of these destructive pests. Ortex Expert Termite Control offers comprehensive termite control services tailored to meet each property’s needs. Our experienced technicians will inspect your home for signs of infestation and provide a customized treatment plan to eliminate any existing termites and prevent future infestations.