What are Termites?
What are termites? Termites are insects that live in colonies and are found in many parts of the world, including New England. Termites are important because they help to break down and recycle dead plants and trees. However, they can also be a problem for homeowners as they can cause serious damage to wood structures like homes and fences.
Subterranean Termite
The most common termite found in New England is the subterranean termite. Subterranean termites live underground in colonies and build tunnels to reach wood sources.
This is how they can end up inside homes and cause damage. Termites, unlike carpenter ants, consume the wood as a food source. Ants use the wood as a means to build tunnels.
Damaged Trim Board
Termite activity can be difficult to detect. Sometimes the only evidence is small breakouts at the lower wood trim boards.
Mud or Shelter Tube
Termite mud tubes serve as protective pathways for termites, allowing them to travel between their nest and food sources while avoiding light, predators, and dehydration. Detecting these tubes can help identify termite infestations and determine areas requiring control measures.
Damaged Framing
Termite damage is a serious concern. Termites can silently and extensively weaken the structural integrity of wooden framing, compromising the stability and safety of buildings.
Protecting Your Home
Termites can be hard to control as their large underground colonies are usually not visible. It’s important to check your home and property regularly for signs of termites, such as discarded wings, mud tubes on foundation walls, or checking under downed trees or other wood resting on the soil. If you think you have a termite problem, it’s important to contact a professional pest control company for help.
There are a few steps you can take to prevent termites from infesting your home. One of the most effective ways is to eliminate wood-to-soil contact. This means not placing wood debris, like branches or logs, next to the foundation of your home. A general rule is the not allow any portions of the wood frame of your home to be in soil contact. It’s also best to leave a few inches of exposed foundation wall above grade to allow for visual inspection for termite mud tubes.
How Fast Do Termites Consume Wood
The rate and time needed for termites to eat wood varies depending on size of the termite colony, wood species and climate factors. However, pest experts estimate that a colony of 60,000 termites can consume the equivalent of one foot of a 2×4 board in about 5 months.
Treatment Options
If you do have a termite infestation, there are a few treatment options available. One option is to use a chemical treatment, which involves applying a liquid insecticide to the soil around your home to create a barrier that termites can’t cross. Another option is to use bait stations, which are small boxes filled with wood or cellulose material that termites are attracted to. When the termites eat the bait, they carry it back to their nest and help to kill the entire colony.