Found in 49 out of 50 states in America (with the exception of Alaska), termites wreak close to $50 billion worth of damages to both commercial and residential properties each year. As a leading Atlanta exterminator, we have done our share in eradicating this pest from hundreds of Peach State homes. Termite control is only one of the efficient and effective pest control services we offer our customers. Read on below to learn seven things you should know about these destructive borers.
Winged Swarmers
An established termite colony will produce sexually mature winged male adults called alates after a few years of quietly eating their way into the wood of your home or building. These alates fly off to create nests of their own sometime during spring when the weather is mild. If you see winged alates in your home, it's a good indication that you have a termite infestation somewhere within your walls.
Mud Tubes
Termites build mud tubes made from a variety of particulate matter as well as soil and wood to cross open spaces they cannot go through. Mud tubes also protect termites from predators and create the humid environment they need in order to survive. You will typically find them along the foundation of your house and around various possible entry points. If you see a mud tube, remove a small middle section without disturbing either end and inspect it again after a few days. If the section you removed has been built up again, you have an active termite colony sharing your living space.
Filled-In Construction Joints
Sometimes termites don't leave such obvious signs of their presence as mud tubes. If you notice crusted dirt or mud in small gaps or cracks in the concrete surfaces in your home or construction joints that have been filled in with mud, it's highly likely that termites have made themselves comfortable in your home.
Firewood
Store your pile of firewood above the ground and at least 20 feet away from your house to discourage termites from feasting on them and then using them to find their way inside your house.
Clear Dead Wood from Your Property
Termites are voracious eaters. Remove fallen tree limbs and other dead wood from your immediate surroundings to avoid giving termites an easy food source.
Untreated Wood Structures
Construct outdoor wood structures such as decks and sheds from termite-resistant wood products. Untreated wood can be vulnerable to termite damage that can spread to the rest of your home.
Termites Eat More Than Wood
Although they have a natural affinity for wood, termites can also live on other wood-based materials such as paper, cardboard and even the paper backing on your drywall. Call us as soon as you suspect you have termites or any other kind of pest in your home or office. We are the Atlanta pest control company you can count on for efficient pest and termite inspections and effective Atlanta bug control.
