Termites cause billions of dollars of damage every year, and their damage is not typically covered by homeowners’ insurance. Therefore, the moment termite damage is detected, you should seek termite treatments Fort Myers FL because an infestation cannot be mitigated without professional pest control help.
Termites
Termites are destructive pests that feed on cellulose, which is found in wood and paper products. They have a head, thorax and abdomen, so look for three body regions.
Termite colonies can be anywhere from 60,000-250,000 termites. The smallest termite colony can eat up to 5 grams of wood in a day.
Termite Castes
Termites have three castes: soldiers, workers and reproducers, but they also have a king, queen and secondary queen. Reproductive termites can be winged or not winged. Worker termites are white and may be up to a half inch in length. Soldiers have dark heads and white bodies and may be up to three-quarters of an inch in length. Finally, reproductive termites are light brown to black in color and may grow up to a half inch in length and are often believed to be flying ants.
Termite Types
Drywood termites, which are found in hot climates, feed on dry wood, plastic and wallpaper, but do not require soil or moisture to survive. Subterranean termites, which are the most destructive, eat all types of materials, including floors, plumbing, insulation and beams. They live below ground in most areas, but can live above ground in humid areas and form massive colonies. Dampwood termites require high humidity to survive. Therefore, they often feed on dying wood or homes with leaky plumbing or roofs. Formosans are subterranean termites, and they are very difficult to eliminate once a colony is established. However, they are typically found in southern states, where the winters are mild.
Every year, 1 out of 25 homes in the United States have a termite problem. If they are not eliminated, you could experience major structural damage. If you see evidence of termites, consider contacting a reputable pest control company immediately.
