About Termites

Swarmers looking to start a new colony are typically the first sign of termite season as these winged-pests show up inside homes in early spring. To get rid of termites in the home, contact Ernie’s Pest Control to address the infestation and recommend a course of proper termite control.

They live in colonies with a caste system (queen, workers, soldiers). Common types include subterranean, drywood, and dampwood termites, with subterranean being the most destructive. Signs of infestation include mud tubes, discarded wings, hollow wood, and damaged furniture. 

Key Aspects of Termites

Destructive Habit: Subterranean termites can cause massive damage by constructing tunnels and consuming wood. They can consume up to 15 pounds of wood per week, with colonies often going unnoticed until major damage occurs.
Appearance: Ranging from one-eighth of an inch to one inch long, they are white, beige, or dark brown/black. They have straight, beaded antennae, and worker termites are Often called “white ants”.

Types:

Subterranean: Live underground, build mud tubes to reach wood.
Formosan: Aggressive, subterranean species that build carton nests within walls.
Drywood: Live inside the wood they consume, requiring no ground contact.
Dampwood: Infest wood with high moisture content, often larger in size.
Social Structure: Colonies consist of a queen (lays eggs), soldiers (protect against ants), and workers (build, forage).
Signs of Infestation:Mud tubes on foundations or walls.
Discarded wings (from swarmers).
Wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
Bubbling or cracked paint.
Frass (drywood termite droppings). National Wildlife Federation +8

Prevention and Control

Moisture Control: Fix leaks, maintain proper drainage, and keep crawl spaces dry.
Structural Barriers: Seal cracks in foundations, use metal mesh for ventilation, and ensure wood does not touch soil.
Wood Maintenance: Remove infested stumps and avoid storing firewood near the house. 
Ecological Role
While pests to homeowners, termites are vital for ecosystems, breaking down dead trees and recycling cellulose into organic matter. They are, however, a serious menace to building structures and require professional treatment.