Termite Identification
Worldwide, there are more than 2,000 different species of termites. However, in Upstate New York and Western Massachusetts, the subterranean termite is the one to watch out for when protecting your home.
Types of Termites
Subterranean Termite
Signs of Termites
Termites can run rampant without any noticeable signs until they cause significant destruction. That’s why knowing what to look for and performing routine inspections, inside and out, is so important.
Swarms of Winged Termites
When adult termites reach reproductive maturity, they develop wings and become “swarmers.” At that point, they fly in clustered groups, often gathering around doors and windows as they search for their mates. Once they locate a suitable partner, they mate, discard their wings, and return to the ground to begin their own colonies. You may see live swarmers, which look similar to ants but with equally sized wings, or piles of discarded wings.
Mud Tubes
Termites are very vulnerable to drying out and require moisture-rich environments to survive. They create tunnels, or mud tubes, that allow them to travel from their underground colonies to their food sources, which are typically located above ground. You may see these tubes inside your home or building or on the exterior.
Irregularities in Wood
As termites eat their way through their food sources, they slowly degrade the structural integrity of the wood. You might notice wood that sounds hollow if you tap on it. You might also see signs like blistering surfaces or uneven, bubbling paint on wooden materials.
How Do I Get Rid Of 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.
Because of how challenging they are to identify and the extensive damage they cause, we recommend scheduling a professional inspection to assess the situation. However, prevention is the most effective approach. Some steps you can take for prevention include:
- Address Moisture Issues: Termites thrive in moist environments and can be drawn to leaky pipes and areas with inadequate drainage. Fix leaks promptly and ensure all gutters and downspouts function properly to divert moisture away from buildings.
- Seal Cracks and Crevices: Periodically inspect the foundation and seal any openings termites could exploit.
- Avoid Wood-to-Ground Contact: Keep wood elements at least one-inch above the soil to minimize the chances of these destructive pests gaining entry.
Termite Facts
Lifespan
Termites typically live no more than two years once they reach maturity. However, queens can live for a decade or more, and reproductive termites often live for as many as four years.
Food Sources
Termites notoriously eat wood but can also munch on other cellulose-containing products. They eat continuously, typically consuming between 2% and 3% of their body weight every day. Left unchecked, these small insects can quickly cause substantial property damage.
Reproduction
Reproductive termites leave the colonies they are born into once they reach maturity. They find mates and go on to form their own colonies, in which they become the queens. In the first year, they only produce a few eggs, but within a few years, queens can produce anywhere from 5,000 to 10,000 eggs annually.
Risk of Disease
There’s no link between termites and the risk of disease. The danger they do pose, however, is the structural damage they create as they chew through wooden structures.
Where are termites found?
Termites build colonies underground and inside of wooden structures, 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.
When are termites active?
Termites can cause damage year-round, but they are typically most active during warmer months. Peak activity begins in spring, as maturing reproductives enter “swarming” season, which continues through late summer or autumn.
More Information About Termites
Identifying Termites — How to Spot the Signs
Preventing Termites: Protecting Your Home from Costly Damage
Signs of Termite Damage
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you prevent termites?
Prevention is essential. Handling moisture problems ASAP, sealing potential entry points, and performing regular inspections can make a significant difference.
Are termites nocturnal?
Subterranean termites continually chew through wood but tend to swarm and exhibit increased activity at night and in the early morning hours.
How to look for termite damage?
Inspect wood for outward signs, like buckling and blistering. However, the damage from subterranean termites may not be evident until it is already extensive.
Can you hear termites?
In general, termites are relatively silent. In the case of extensive infestations, sounds like clicking and rustling as the insects chew through the wood they are consuming can be heard.