There are Two Types of Houses
Those With Termites,
Those That Don't Have Termites Yet
Stay ahead by protecting your home before termites strike. Proactive termite prevention is key to safeguarding your investment and avoiding costly repairs down the line
Regular inspections are essential for catching termite activity early, before it becomes a costly problem. By scheduling routine checks, you can ensure your home remains protected and address any issues before they escalate
Termite bait systems are a proactive way to protect your home from termites. These systems work by placing bait stations around your property, attracting termites before they reach your home.
Termite damage can be costly and devastating, often weakening wood structures from the inside out before visible signs appear. Termites feed on wood, causing structural damage to beams, flooring, and walls, which can lead to sagging, warping, and costly repairs.
Termites are fascinating yet destructive pests that play a critical role in breaking down wood and plant materials in nature. Unfortunately, when they invade homes and buildings, they can cause severe damage. Here’s a look into how termites work, especially the particularly destructive Formosan termite species.
How Termites Work
Termites are social insects that live in colonies with a complex caste system, including workers, soldiers, and reproductive members (kings and queens). Each caste has specific duties that help the colony thrive:
Workers: These termites are responsible for gathering food (mainly cellulose from wood), building tunnels, and maintaining the colony. Workers do the most damage to structures, as they continuously chew through wood to feed the colony.
Soldiers: Soldiers protect the colony from threats, mainly other insects, with their strong mandibles. They rely on workers for food and cannot survive independently.
Reproductives (Kings and Queens): These are the primary members responsible for establishing new colonies. The queen, in particular, can live for years and produce thousands of offspring, expanding the colony rapidly.
Termite Feeding and Damage
Termites feed on cellulose, the main component in wood. By digesting this material, they break down dead plants in natural environments, which is beneficial. However, when they target homes, their feeding weakens the structural integrity of walls, floors, and other wooden structures. Because they often work undetected inside walls, termites are often called "silent destroyers."
Understanding Formosan Termites
Formosan termites are a particularly aggressive and destructive species. Native to East Asia, they have spread to many parts of the United States, especially in warmer, humid regions. Here’s what makes Formosan termites especially concerning:
Large Colony Size: Formosan termite colonies can be much larger than those of native termites, with potentially millions of members. This enables them to consume wood at an accelerated rate, causing severe damage faster than other species.
Subterranean and Above-Ground Nests: Formosan termites build extensive underground colonies but can also establish above-ground nests if there’s a sufficient moisture source. This flexibility allows them to spread more easily and survive in diverse environments.
Rapid Destruction: Given their large colonies and high feeding rates, Formosan termites can severely damage structures in a relatively short time. They can hollow out wood, leaving only a thin outer layer, causing unexpected collapses if left unchecked.
Resilience and Aggressiveness: Formosan termites are more aggressive than native species, making infestations harder to control. Their colonies can withstand many conventional treatment methods, often requiring targeted, ongoing treatment.