Termites

Termites are the bane of homeowners and like other wood-boring insects they can seriously compromise the structural integrity of the home.  Unfortunately their presence isn’t always known until the colony has spread through a large portion of the house or structure. Termites are the arch-nemesis of homeowners, especially those who invested a significant amount of money to make their homes beautiful through remodeling and renovation.  A termite colony can make short work of new (and especially old) wood in and around the home.

What may look like a beautiful home on the outside could be slowly crumbling from within due to these colonies.  It is extremely difficult for a homeowner to self-treat a home effectively, especially if the infestation is wide-spread (Which is often the case).

Even with a professional service, several treatments may be needed to completely destroy a colony.  Without treatment, termites will eventually destroy the structural integrity of your home.

Size & Appearance

There are over 40 active species of termites throughout the U.S. with the most common perpetrator to your home being the drywoodand dampwood termites. These measure from 3/8 inches to ½ inch long. The termite is usually some variation of a pale brown.

Behavior

Like many things, termites are an integral part of any local ecosystem and they thrive by breaking down cellulose material all around them.  Unfortunately in a residential area this can become a liability for homeowners as the termites will target the wood within a home to feast on it.
Termites live within the same wood in which theyfeed, such as in furniture or within the walls of a home where they create elaborate tunnel systems.  Unfortunately, termite infestations aren’t discovered until the colony is wide spread – at which point professional treatment is typically required and always recommended.

You may be able to spot an infestation if you discover piles of sawdust and feces (known as frass) that will appear throughout the structure in which the termites live (sheds, garages, your home, etc.)

Dampwood termites also feast on wood but they burrow through and feast within the wood that’s been softened by moisture such as that caused by poor ventilation or leaking pipes, bathroom moisture around trim, etc.