Termites
Types of Termites
There are different types of termites which can be grouped as dampwood, drywood and subterranean.
Termites are commonly known as ‘silent destroyers’ as they have the capacity to destroy your basement, yard or furniture, and pretty much anything made of wood of plant cellulose without any immediate signs of damage. Proper identification of various termites is crucial for effective pest control in homes. The nesting behaviour and moisture requirement of different termite species vary and hence, it is essential to use differentiating tactics to target and control the behaviour of each species. The first and foremost step to the identification of termites is to differentiate between termite and ant. To an untrained eye, swarming termites seem similar to flying ants and worker termites look identical to insect larvae.
Dampwood Termites
These termites are always associated with damp, decaying wood, usually in the form of fallen logs in the forest, but may sometimes be found in decaying wood in buildings or fences. Dampwood termites often weaken homes by hollowing out support beams. This can lead to costly repairs, causing a great deal of frustration. The silent and secretive nature of these pests makes dampwood termite activity difficult to recognize until it becomes severe.
Drywood Termites
Drywood termites get all the moisture they need to survive and develop from humidity in the air and moisture they get from consuming the wood they eat. As a result, the drywood termites can survive without living in soil and do not construct their nests in the ground, but instead construct their nests in the dry, above ground wood they infest. The pests enter homes through exposed wood or infested items like wooden furniture.
Infestations can be limited to one area of the house or can be widespread. Damage is often extensive, as these pests will chew tunnels inside wooden beams or other wooden objects, weakening them from the inside. Home repairs for drywood termite damage may be costly and involve the use of house fumigation procedures.
Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites are small, ant-like insects. However, they differ from ants in that they feed off the cellulose in wood. Wood that comes in contact with the soil, such as the exterior trim or cladding on your home, provides a perfect point of entry for a termite colony. They also eat books, other paper products, and variety of other plant based goods.
They can also enter a structure through expansion joints in concrete slabs or where utilities enter the house. Subterranean termites are by far the most destructive termite species. The hard, saw-toothed jaws of termites work like shears and are able to bite off extremely small fragments of wood, one piece at a time. Over time, they can collapse a building entirely, meaning possible financial ruin for a homeowner. If you suspect a termite infestation, contact a Zayin Pest Controls professional about subterranean termite treatment.