Learn More About Termites in New York and Massachusetts
Termites are perhaps one of the most dreaded pests. These destructive insects cause billions of dollars of damage every year in the United States.
Notorious for eating wood, these insects chew constantly and build their colonies 24 hours a day, consuming between 2% and 3% of their body weight daily. Left unchecked, these small bugs can quickly cause substantial property damage.
Worldwide, there are approximately 2,700 different species of termites. The type of termite found in areas of Massachusetts and New York is the subterranean termite.
Most of these insects are drawn to wood and moist conditions and areas damaged by leaking pipes, improper drainage, and air conditioning units.
How to Identify Termites
Adult termites range from 1/2 inch to approximately 1 inch in size, with bodies that range from light brown to yellowish-brown to darker brown in color.
These silent terrors live in colonies with a hierarchy that includes workers, soldiers, and termites that reproduce. Workers are often milky-white in color. Soldiers have similarly colored bodies with large mandibles, while reproductive termites have body colors that vary among species but include tan, black, and reddish-brown. Winged termites have two sets of wings and straight antennae that have a bead-like appearance.
Termites vs. Ants
When they are swarming, termites can be confused with winged ants. However, ants have pinched waists, an hourglass-shaped body, and two sets of wings of unequal sizes, while termites have rectangular bodies and equally sized wings.
Understanding The Different Types of Termites
Termites are active across Massachusetts. Worldwide, there are 2,000 different species, but the most common in our region include subterranean, drywood, and dampwood termites.
Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites have saw-like jaws and sharp teeth that allow them to chew their way through substantial swaths of wood, causing significant damage along the way. These termites are difficult to find because they do most of their work underground. Subterranean termites chew patterns inside wood that look like honeycombs.
Termite Damage Facts
These destructive pests thrive in moist, warm areas. They build colonies in wood, including dead trees, moisture-damaged wood, and exposed wood. Termites may chew through floor joists, attics, door frames, window trim, and other essential structural elements in both homes and commercial buildings.
Signs of Infestations
Signs of termites include swarms of winged insects on door frames and windows. You may also notice piles of droppings that look like sawdust or wings. Small holes in wood, bubbles on wood surfaces, and mud-like tubes in sheetrock and wood are additional signs of an infestation.
At the first sign of termite activity, call a pest control professional to assess the situation and create a treatment plan.
Benefits of Professional Termite Control in New York and Massachusetts
Termites are no laughing matter. Finding the infestation and efficiently treating it can be very challenging, particularly when these pests are well hidden inside wooden structures. The longer these pests are left to their own devices, the more extensive the damage is likely to be.
USX Pest has the skills, education, and equipment needed to eliminate termites permanently. We start with a free, detailed inspection to assess the property and identify where termites are hiding. Technicians use those details to create a plan customized to each property’s unique and specific needs. We can also provide ongoing maintenance for year-round protection, prevention, and peace of mind.
Schedule a Free Inspection with USX Pest Control
Termites are capable of creating catastrophic damage. Contact us today to schedule an inspection. If you need help right away or you have any questions, feel free to call us at 855-761-1550.