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If you own a home, you’ve had to deal with ants or cockroaches. But there’s another household pest that’s even more destructive and costly to homeowners: termites. Every year, these wood-destroying insects cause billions of dollars in property damage in the U.S.
While several do-it-yourself pest control solutions are available, sometimes it’s best to leave the job to the professionals. Exterminators Birmingham AL are trained to identify and eliminate pests and have access to more potent chemicals and equipment than the average homeowner.
While most people are familiar with ants and cockroaches, termites are often misunderstood. This blog post will dispel some common myths about termites and give tips on preventing them from damaging your home.
What are Termites?
Termites are small, winged insects that live in colonies underground. These colonies can number in the millions, and they’re comprised of different castes or types of termites, each with a specific function within the colony.
The three main types of termites are:
-workers
-soldiers
-reproductives (or swarmers)
The worker caste is responsible for gathering food (wood) for the colony. The soldier caste protects the colony from predators, while the reproductive caste is responsible for creating new colonies.
Reproductives are the only type of termite that can mate and create new colonies. They’re also the only type of termite with wings. If you see winged insects in your home, there’s a good chance they’re reproductives (or “swarmers”) looking for a place to start a new colony.
While most people think of termites as white insects, they can be different colors depending on their caste. For example, workers are pale or light brown, soldiers are dark brown or black, and reproductives can be brown, black, or white.
Are Termites Dangerous?
Despite their small size, termites can do a lot of damage to your home if left unchecked. These insects cause billions of dollars in property damage in the U.S. every year—more than fires and floods combined!
Given enough time, termites can completely consume an entire house! Most of this damage is done by workers because they’re always searching for food (wood). As they eat through the wood in your home, they weaken its structure and make it more susceptible to collapse.
How Can I Prevent Termites From Destroying My Home?
The best way to prevent termite damage is to have your home inspected by a professional NatureWise Pest Control company at least once a year—more often if you live in an area with a high risk of infestation. These companies have trained professionals who know how to spot the signs of an infestation and take steps to prevent it before it starts.
No homeowner wants to find out that their house is infested with termites—but unfortunately, these destructive pests are more common than you might think. By understanding what termites are and how they can damage your home, you can take steps to prevent an infestation before it starts. Remember, if you see winged insects in your home, there’s a good chance they’re reproductives looking for a place to create a new colony. So don’t hesitate to call a professional pest control company if you suspect you have a problem. A little prevention can save you thousands of dollars in repairs down the road!
