Termite Identification
What are termites?
Found living throughout much of the United States is the eastern subterranean termite. Eastern subterranean termites live and work together in large numbers, feeding on decaying or older pieces of wood, plants, and other organic debris made of cellulose. Their high moisture needs make it necessary for them to nest in damp soil, and the workers leave the nest each day to gather food to bring back to the nest.
The termite's cryptic nature helps them destroy structures; since we typically don't see them, we don't notice their presence until their damage is done.
Are termites dangerous?
When termites live outside, especially in wooded areas, they are eco-important, helping rid the ground of decaying organic matter and returning nutrients to the soil. As you can imagine, when termites choose our yards and homes to nest in and our structural wood to feed on, they quickly become quite destructive.
Inside our homes, they attack structural wood, wooden floor joists, wooden fixtures, paper, books, and loose wallpaper. While termites are not a direct threat to people and we rarely encounter them, their ability to cause extensive damage to our properties make them dangerous pests.
Why do I have a termite problem?
Termites live outside and are a vital part of nature. It is easy for these outdoor pests to find themselves in our yards after being attracted by things like fallen trees, wood mulch, piles of leaves, old fences, and tree stumps. Once in our yards, it is common for the blind workers to accidentally find a way into our homes – a costly and frustrating situation.
Where will I find termites?
Termites need contact with the moist soil for survival; this is why they either travel through the soil or mud tubes they create. Eastern subterranean termites move into our homes and other structures through cracks they find in the foundation or through any wood, making direct contact with the ground.
Once inside, they are attracted to moist areas of a home, moving behind walls and under floors to feed on structural wood. The wood near leaking pipes, windows and doors, or air conditioners is what they attack first.
How do I get rid of termites?
Termites are destructive pests that can attack any Mississippi home at any time. Partnering with a pest professional is vital to maintaining a home free of termites and the damages they cause. At McCary Pest Control, our professionals will solve your property's termite problems by performing a detailed inspection, providing effective treatment using eco-friendly products, and creating a follow-up treatment schedule to stop them from returning in the future.
By partnering with us, you will have peace of mind knowing that wood-eating termites won't be using your home as a food source. Learn more about our Tupelo, MS termite control services.
How can I prevent termites in the future?
To help you avoid problems with termites, we want to offer the following prevention tips:
- Leave a barrier between any mulch and your foundation. An even better option is replacing moisture-absorbing wood mulch with rubber mulch or another non-organic option.
- Remove leaf piles, fallen trees, and tree stumps from your yard.
- Don't store firewood, construction materials, or other wooden items right next to your home's exterior.
- Use dehumidifiers and vent fans to reduce moisture levels in your home.
- Repair leaking pipes, dripping air conditioners, and poorly sealed windows as soon as you notice a problem.
- Replace any water-damaged wood in your house.
- Regularly inspect your foundation and roofline, sealing up any cracks you discover. Eliminate wood to soil contact on your property.
Learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control services.
