The Facts About Termites

In the United States there is no centralized agency or scientific organization that tracks damage done by termites. The following statistical information is compiled from infestations reported to state agricultural agencies, academic experts, and pest management companies.

Property owners in the United States pay over $5 billion to control and repair damage done by Formosan, subterranean, dampwood and drywood termites. It is estimated that around 600,000 residential homes are impacted with an average cost of $3,000 per home. Though it is rare for a home to be rendered uninhabitable--mostly because termites can easily be eradicated with pesticides and bait systems-it is not uncommon for homes to sustain considerable damage due to the silent nature of these insects. Termites are capable of attacking a home from the air or by way of the soil around the perimeter, leaving few signs of an infestation.

Signs of termite infestations

• Look for mud tubes on the exterior of basement walls. These vein-like tubes are created to protect subterranean termites from the drying effects of the sun.
• Peel up mulch and search for winged bugs crawling around in mass.
• These insects will sometimes damage exterior wood structures like fences, patios, decks, and wooden lawn ornaments.
• Gossamer wings are left by termite swarms. If you have recently been infested, you may find these wings on your window sills, walkways, deck, or steps.
• Hard pepper-like droppings on windowsills are a strong indication that drywood termites are in your walls. You may also see tiny holes.

If you begin to see walls sag, floors dip, and doors and windows begin to stick, the damage to your home is significant. The amount of damage termites can do depends on the type of termite, the size and number of colonies, what wood they are eating, and the temperature. Termites eat wood 24 hours a day 7 days a week. If they are given the right wood, and the right temperature, they can do a considerable amount of damage in a short amount of time.

If you live in Lexington Kentucky I highly recommend Action Pest Control. If you do not have an Action Pest Control in your area, find a company with the same high standards for quality. When you call a Pest Control company, ask them if they have board-certified entomologists on staff. Make sure they are also QualityPro certified, and that they practice modern Integrated Pest Management. You have a lot invested in your home. Don't trust your equity to anyone but the best. Reach out to learn more about our termite control services.