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Termite infestations in houses will often go undetected by homeowners for years as it is difficult to distinguish evidence of action. Termites will hide in walls or in crawl spaces or in other inaccessible areas within a house. They are sneaky. They dont want to be found or even be out in sunlight. .
Most termite species are native to North America. Formosan termites are the only species that was transported to U.S. after World War II and are found mostly in California, Florida and along the Gulf Coast.
Termites have three body segments (head, thorax, and abdomen) which are joined broadly, unlike many ants. Species aside, termites are divided into the following broad groups:
Termite larvae are extremely small and white in color. The immatures are cared for by the other termites in the nest until they grow into a worker. Whether they become a reproductive or worker depends on the needs of the colony and will be determined during molting.
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Termites are identified in a couple of different ways. The main thing that people need to bear in mind is that many times to find evidence of activity you truly need to conduct a comprehensive termite inspection.
Termite droppings (Frass)A pile of stool pellets can be indicative of a termite infestation. The termite droppings often resemble sawdust, because the feces is comprised of the wood the termites consume.
SwarmersTermite swarms are the #1 way that many homeowners recognize they have a termite infestation. These winged termites emerge from nests in large groups. People might see these winged insects pop out and fly around in swarms near a home. Swarmers are looking to partner and contact the soil.
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Mud tubesFor subterranean termites, you can identify activity by identifying sand tubes (also called foraging tubes) that termites use for transportation from soil to cellulose material (AKA your home ). They will build mud tubes whenever they will be exposed to mild and predators. In this manner they have a secure travel way to get from Point A to Point B..
You can often find termites on foundation walls where there is an expansion seam where they can get at the structural lumber that is resting on the top of the foundation (basement walls or crawl space walls). Sometimes you will find termites in the corner of the joists and also the header planks in the substructure of a house.
Termite galleries and damaged woodAnother manner you can identify termite activity is to examine ruined wood for termite galleries. For those that are not trained, it can be challenging to do. Generally, subterranean termite galleries go with the grain of this wood. These galleries will often contain mud. Termites want to maintain an optimal humidity/moisture level wherever theyre traveling since they desiccate relatively easily.
Termite galleries are typically found on the substructure of a property like the basement or even a crawlspace. If you examine the structures header board and floor joists that rest upon the foundation wall, then you may be able to identify the gallery. At that point in time, its highly recommended to call in a professional.
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Drywood termites are a little bit news different. They dont originate from the ground. They actually gallery outside and reside in the wood theyre infesting and feeding on. In areas where drywoods are prevalent, you may often find them my site infesting attics, ceiling joists, roof rafters, on the wooden exteriors of houses, wood posts, wood fascia boards, exposed rafter tails and other wooden structures in and around a home.You will not find subway in drywood termite galleries but you will find mosquito pellets.
The pellets almost look like heavy grain sand. The color of drywood termite pellets can vary depending on the kind of wood they're infesting on. .
Depending on where you reside in the United States, the termite pressures faced may be very different. In the United States, there are approximately 50 species of termites, only 20 of which are of concern for structures.Subterranean termites are the most Visit Website common species of termites in most places in the U.S.
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In states like California and Florida, drywood termites are just as prevalent as subterranean termites. .
Termites consume cellulose material. They'll feed on anything that contains cellulose. Most houses are constructed of conventional timber that contain cellulose. Termites have also been known to feed on cardboard, paper, cotton shirts or anything which contains cellulose for a food supply.