Termites - Termite Facts
More than 365,000 homes in the U.S. are involved in a fire each year. More than 600,000 U.S. homes suffer termite damage totaling over $1.5 billion annually. This is more than the damage caused by all fires, storms and earthquakes combined. More than 2 million homes require termite treatment each Termite Damageyear. Homeowners insurance can help recover losses from fires, floods and earthquakes, but it is almost impossible to get insurance against termites.
They eat wood and may also destroy paper products such as books, cardboard boxes, furniture and various other items. Even buildings with steel framing and masonry walls are targets because of the wooden doors and window frames, wooden support beams, cabinets or shelving.
Termites feed on cellulose, a complex chemical in plant cell walls, and they are very important in the natural decomposition of fallen trees, leaves and other plant products. Property owners seldom see the worker or soldier termites, but in the spring or fall they may see swarming "winged reproductives." This form of termite can easily be confused with a winged ant unless you look closely.
A thorough inspection by an Bug-N-A-Rug Exterminators is the first and most important step in protecting your property. "Experienced" eyes can locate the specific areas in your structure where a termite attack is likely to occur. If a termite infestation is found, your Bug-N-A-Rug Specialist can design a treatment plan for your property that will eliminate any current infestation and establish a treatment zone, or monitoring system, around your home to take care of possible future termite infestation.
Are they ants or termites?
- For clues to help distinguish termites from ants, examine the insects' wings, waist and antennae. While both insects have two pairs of wings, termite wings are relatively equal in size. Ant wings tend to be longer in front and shorter in back.
- Ants also have a narrow, pinched waist. Termites' waists are thicker and less distinct.
- In addition, ants' antennae are elbowed, while termites' are straight.
When do Termites Swarm?
- Termites swarm at various times each year according to geographic regions, species of termite and weather conditions.
- Most subterranean termites normally swarm in the daytime -- usually mid-day -- when it is sunny and often, right after it rains.
- Formosan termites, the most voracious species of termites, are a notable exception to this rule. They typically swarm in the early evening.