Termites are tiny insects that look harmless but are known to cause millions of dollars in damage to crops and properties in the US alone. Although they are known to be heavily populated in tropical regions, they can still be found anywhere.
Termite infestations are found in moist and warm lowlands in America, some species have adapted themselves to cooler temperatures and they have been discovered as far as the northern areas. To understand termites and why they attack homes, it is a good idea to know a little about these pesky little pests and how they operate.
A termite’s lifecycle spans from 12-24 months, the bad news is that the queen or the reproductive larva has the longest life cycle spanning to an amazing 25-50 years. A queen termite mates and lays eggs, when these eggs hatch they form larvae. A larva can go on to become one of the following types depending on social and environmental conditions;
-Reproductive
-Workers
-Soldiers
Reproductive Termites
These are the king and queen termites and known as swarmers since they swarm to find mates. They are the only reproductive active members in a termite colony.
Worker Termites
These make up 90-95% of the colony and are known to be the providers. They take care of the whole colony including the eggs, larvae, king, and queen. Worker termites perform a host of tasks and are the sole keepers of a colony. Their job is to keep the colony clean and well-fed.
Soldier Termites
As the name suggests, soldiers defend the colonies and makeup to 1-3% of the colony’s population. They secrete toxins from their heads to ward off invaders and protect the colony. Soldiers are fed by the workers since they cannot feed on their own..
Termites And Wood
Now that you know a little about termites, it will be easier to understand how they work and invade homes in no time. Termites attack wood to seek cellulose that is present in it in abundance. They turn the cellulose into a nutritious meal. Termites that attack wood are categorized into three types known as:
-Dry wood termites
-Subterranean termites
Dry wood Termites
Dry wood termites seek and feed on dry wood. Dry wood is present in abundance in your house in its wooden framing, structure, flooring, furniture, etc. That is the reason termites are attracted to a home.
Damp wood Termites
These termites mostly feed on wood that is moist and wet. Such types of wood can be found in tree stumps, logs, or slumps. The good news is that the damp wood termites do not attack homes.
Read also: Why isn’t the majority of plastic recycled?
Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites like to eat softwood. They are not picky when it comes to choosing wood and will eat any type of wood they find in your home.
Why do Homes Attract Termites?
As pointed out earlier termites are attracted to moist, damp places and thrive in them. Leaking pipes, poor ventilation, improper drainage can all create a humid atmosphere full of moisture, attracting termites.
What Will A Termite Attack In A Home?
Doors And Windows
Most doors and windows in homes are still made from wood and can be accessed from the outside or through cracks in the foundation or ground. This makes them a favorable place for termites. If you have a suspicion of termites in your house, look for signs of holes, wood dust, hollowness, or mud tubing on or around them.
Attics And Crawlspaces
Attics and crawlspaces if dark and dingy and having poor ventilation can become moisture-prone, making them hotspots for termite habitats.
Carpets
Termites not only eat the wood in your home, but they can also consume carpets. Carpet fibers contain cellulose that attracts termites. Termites can eat carpet pads, carpet tack strips, or subfloors. If a carpet gets infested, 90% chances are the floor beneath has been infested as well. A termite inspector can help determine the type of damage done. I would recommend Texinspec home inspection, they offer the best home inspection services in Fort worth. You can schedule an appointment with them and get your home inspected for termites.
Firewood And Lumber
Homeowners can unknowingly bring termites inside their homes by bringing in untreated lumber or wood for the fire. The wood stashed against the walls outside a house can attract termites, making them easy habitats with access from the ground below. Try storing wood away from the walls and foundations of your home to make it less susceptible to termites.
Books
If you have a personal library at home, check and monitor its ventilation and humidity levels regularly to prevent termites from making their habitats. Not only can termites go on a snacking spree on your books but also the shelves beneath them and cause costly repairs.
Furniture
Eating away wooden furniture placed against walls or in attics or basements is something termites commonly do before moving on to bigger stuff.
Skirting Boards And Walls
Termites start their way up from the ground below. Skirting boards and walls usually come under termite attack easily. If you see mud tubes springing up on walls or floorboards around your house, you should call an inspection company immediately before things go out of hand.
Why Book Termite Inspector?
If you find termites in your home, you need to act quickly. It may take years for termites to cause significant damage to your home but you don’t know how long they have been lurking around. Eradicating termites is not a simple task, one that cannot be done with a bug spray at least. Traditional methods use strong chemicals that may harm you or stain your wood or furniture. The only people you can rely on are termite inspectors from a good home inspection company. Professional inspectors do their job thoroughly and suggest solutions according to the extent of damage done. If you are looking for a termite inspection in Fort Worth, then you can rely on Texinspec. Texinspec offers home inspection services in Fort Worth, including termite inspections. They are trusted by homeowners and real estate agents alike. Schedule an appointment for your home’s inspection here.
