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Quick Answers to Questions About Termites

What Termites Look Like and How to Deal with Them

By Timothy A RowlandPublished 2 years ago 8 min read
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Photo by: Timothy A. Rowland. Created via Canva.com

If you are like most people, you probably don't think about termites very often. After all, they are not as flashy as some of the other pests that can invade your home. However, termites cause billions of dollars in damage every year, so it is important to learn how to recognize them and deal with them effectively. In this blog post, we will discuss where termites come from, what they look like, and the early warning signs of an infestation. We will also provide tips on how to deal with termites if you find that you have an infestation in your home.

What Do Termites Look Like?

One of the most common questions we get about termites is "what do they look like?" Termites are small, pale-colored insects that are about one-eighth of an inch long. They have six legs and a hard exoskeleton. Their wings are clear and they have a narrow waist. If you look closely, you will see that termites have two sets of wings that are different sizes. The front set of wings is larger than the backset. It is a common mix-up for most people to not be sure if they are termites or an ant.

What Do Baby Termites Look Like?

Baby termites, or nymphs, look similar to adult termites. The main difference is that they are smaller in size and their wings have not fully developed yet. Nymphs are also unable to reproduce.

Where Do Termites Come From?

Most people don't realize that there are different types of termites. There are three main types of termites: subterranean, dry wood, and damp wood. Subterranean termites are the most common type of termite in the United States. They live in colonies that can contain up to two million members. These colonies are located underground and they build mud tubes to travel from their nest to their food source. Drywood termites are found in dry, wooded areas. They do not need to live near a water source like subterranean termites. Dampwood termites are found in damp or wet areas. They need a high moisture content to survive and they often infest wood that is already rotting.

How Do Termites Get Into My House?

Subterranean termites are the most common type of termite in the United States. They live in colonies that can contain up to two million members. These colonies are located underground and they build mud tubes to travel from their nest to their food source. The mud tubes that subterranean termites build are about the diameter of a pencil and they are often the first sign of an infestation. If you see mud tubes on the exterior of your home, it is important to have a professional inspect your home for termites as soon as possible.

Carpenter Ants VS Termites

One of the ways you can tell the difference between a carpenter ant and a termite is by their waistline. Carpenter ants have a narrow, constricted waist where termites do not. Also, carpenter ants are attracted to sweets where termites are not. You may see carpenter ants near your kitchen or pantry since they are looking for food. Carpenter ants will also nest in damp or rotted wood whereas termites will not because they need moist conditions to survive.

Recognizing Early Warning Signs of Termites

There are several early warning signs that you may have a termite problem. Here are 5 early warning signs of Termites:

  1. Swarms of insects near your foundation or around windows and doors
  2. Mud tubes on the exterior of your home
  3. Discarded wings near doors or windows
  4. Cracks in your foundation or walls
  5. Sagging floors

If you notice any of these signs, it is important to contact a pest control professional as soon as possible. Termites can cause a lot of damage to your home if they are left unchecked.

How to Deal With Termites

If you find that you have an infestation of termites, there are several things that you can do to get rid of them:

-Contact a pest control professional - This is the best option if you have a serious infestation. Pest control professionals have the experience and knowledge to get rid of your problem quickly and effectively.

-Use baits - Baits are a great way to get rid of termites. You can purchase baits at your local hardware store or online.

-Use insecticides - Insecticides are a good option if you have a small infestation. You can purchase insecticides at your local hardware store or online.

-Remove food sources - If you remove the food sources that the termites are feeding on, they will eventually die off. This includes wood, paper, and cardboard.

Where Do Termites Come From?

Termites are found in every state in the United States except for Alaska. They prefer warm, humid climates where there is plenty of food for them to eat. Wood is their favorite food, but they will also eat paper, cardboard, and other cellulose-based materials. Termites typically live in the ground where it is moist. They build mud tubes to travel from their nests to their food sources.

Termites are a serious problem for homeowners. If you think you may have an infestation, contact a pest control professional as soon as possible.

Do Termites Bite Humans?

One of the most common questions we get about termites is "do they bite humans?" The answer is no, termites do not bite humans. They are attracted to wood and other cellulose-based materials. Termites will not bother you unless you are made out of wood. ;) If you have any other questions about termites, feel free to leave a comment below

Do Termites Have Wings?

Another common question we get about termites is "do they have wings?" The answer is yes, termites do have wings. However, they only use their wings for a short period of time during their life cycle. After they shed their wings, they will never fly again. This is why you may see wings around your home but never see a flying termite.

When Do Termites Swarm?

Termites typically swarm in the springtime. This is when they are looking for new places to build their nests. If you see a swarm of insects near your home, it is important to contact a pest control professional as soon as possible.

Do Termites Eat Concrete?

One of the most common questions we get about termites is "do they eat concrete?" The answer is no, termites do not eat concrete. They are attracted to wood and other cellulose-based materials.

Worker Termites vs Soldier Termites

Worker termites are the most common type of termite. They are responsible for finding food and building mud tubes. Soldier termites are responsible for protecting the colony from predators.

Termite Damage vs Wood Rot

It is important to know the difference between termite damage and wood rot. Wood rot is caused by water damage. Termites eat wood from the inside out, so their damage is usually not visible until it is too late. If you suspect that you have termites, contact a pest control professional immediately!

Termite Control Tips

There are several things that you can do to prevent termites from infesting your home:

-Eliminate moisture - Termites are attracted to moist environments. Make sure that you fix any leaks in your home, and keep the area around your foundation dry.

-Remove food sources - Wood is the main food source for termites. If you remove wood from around your home, it will make it less attractive to termites.

-Seal cracks and crevices - Make sure that there are no cracks or crevices in your foundation where termites could enter.

-Use bait stations - Bait stations are a great way to get rid of termites. You can purchase bait stations at your local hardware store.

-Contact a pest control professional - If you suspect that you have termites, it is important to contact a pest control professional as soon as possible. They will be able to help you get rid of the problem and prevent them from coming back. Thanks for reading! I hope this article was helpful

Bugs That Look Like Termites- What Do They Look Like?

There are a few different types of insects that look like termites. Carpenter ants and flying ants are the most common. Carpenter ants are black or brown and have a curved abdomen. Flying ants are black or brown and have wings. If you see an insect that you think is a termite, ask a professional termite technician. Remember, if the body is pinched in the middle, then it is an ant. If the body is straight, it is likely a termite.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, this blog post has answered some of your questions about termites. Remember, if you think you may have an infestation, it is important to contact a pest control professional as soon as possible. Termites can cause a lot of damage to your home if they are left unchecked.

Thank you.

Humanity
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About the Creator

Timothy A Rowland

I’m an every day human Xennial from the United States. I have many interest. I just want to improve your life and maybe entertain you. Available for editing and LeadsLeap projects at: https://www.fiverr.com/greyhatcompany

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