How Do I Know If I Need Termite Treatments In My Home?

The key to successful termite treatments and other forms of pest control is to get the problem early. Many people know to look for sawdust or other signs of activity in their home, but they confuse actual termites with other pests. There are many different types of species, some of which do not eat wood, but if they are in your home, they are more than likely a type that is wood consuming. It is better safe than sorry and if you think you have them, it is better to call for termite treatments and take pest control measures early rather than waiting until it is too late. The problem will only get worse and will not resolve itself in time.

These insects begin their life as an egg. The eggs are really tiny in cannot usually be seen without a magnifying glass. The egg hatches and out comes a larva. At this point the larvae are probably too small for you to see with your naked eye. They usually stay close to the nest at this stage. However in a few weeks it becomes a tiny worker and can get around quite easily on its six little legs. Pest control professionals who give termite treatments know where to look for them at this stage of growth. At this point it is still easy to see with the naked eye. This is true for almost any species of termites.

They are divided into social classes, much the same as a hive of bees. Queen and King are larger and can be up to 1 inch in length. The wings often extend behind the body, making them look larger than they really are. Queens and Kings do not always have wings so we can count on them for identification. Many homeowners are not aware of an infestation until they see a mature Queen or King with long wings. However, at this stage there in desperate need of termite treatments and calling a professional pest control professional is imperative because the colony is large.

Subterranean termites can be found in all of the lower 48 states. At this point, none have been discovered in Alaska, according to pest control professionals who treat them. Subterranean termites are between 1/8 inch and inch in length. They may be as much as inch in some species of soldier termites. These measurements do not include wings. Kings and Queens are easier to spot because soldiers are often very small. You usually will not see the Queen because she stays in her nest most of the time playing the eggs that make your problem worse by the minute. Pest control professionals who give termite treatments will look for the nest and the queen in it. Many termites in colder regions are smaller than those in hot and humid climates. In humid climates, they do not have to live below the ground to keep their bodies moist, as those in colder climates do. The point that must be made is that termites are very small and difficult to spot, except to the pest control professional. Termite treatments have to go beyond termites that you can see with your naked eye and into the nests.

Termites can be different colors including browns and blacks. Workers that live below the soil tend to have thin skin in need of the contact with damp soil. They stay out of the sun and open areas so that their bodies do not dry out. Many of them will appear to be translucent or white in color. Termite workers are blind and find their way around by scent and feel. When the need to get across to open areas, they build tubes. Termite tubes are easily spotted and are a clear sign that termite treatments and professional pest control measures are needed.