How to Identify Different Termite Species When You See Them

There are numerous types of destructive pests that can invade your home, from ants that contaminate food to rodents that chew through insulation. But the truth is, none of these pests even comes close to termites when it comes to structural damage. Though aggressive, termites are secretive creatures that can live in wooden structures undetected for many years. Most home and business owners only detect an infestation after severe damages have occurred, costing them upwards of thousands of dollar in repair.

This post describes the different types of termite species that can invade your home or business. We will also show you how to identify the early signs of a termite infestation. If you suspect a termite problem, Maximum Pest Control Services will thoroughly inspect your property and customize a corrective or preventative termite control plan for your home or business. We offer comprehensive annual termite inspection services to protect your property against termite infestations and damages.

Different Types of Termite Species That Invade Homes

The United States is home to about 45 different types of termites. Of these, about three species are considered the worst invaders, notoriously destroying human-made structures and costing property owners more than a billion dollars of damage every year!

All termite species look different, have unique biology, are attracted to different factors (environment & habitat). Similarly, pest control experts utilize different treatment methods to eliminate the silent destroyers completely. You should be able to tell different termite species apart to better identify the early signs of an infestation and contact a pest control expert before extensive damages occur.

Subterranean Termites

Scientifically referred to as Reticulitermes flavipes, the eastern subterranean termites are one of most common termite species. Their colour ranges from pale cream to dark brown or solid black, and they typically grow up to 1/8 inches long.

Subterranean termites are commonly found in highly populated places such as Toronto and are considered the most destructive species in the U.S. These destructive creatures live underground (in the soil). They are famous for their large nests that can host up to 2 million colony members. Because they are susceptible to dehydration, subterranean termites avoid exposure to open air by building distinctive mud tubes using soil, wood, and saliva.

These mud tubes connect the termites’ nest to their food source, AKA your wooden structures. Using their saw-toothed mandibles, these aggressive pests bite off fragments of your wood, one piece at a time. Without proper human control, they can greatly damage your property’s structural integrity and cause irreparable damage if left unchecked that can cause excessive price cost.

Subterranean termites commonly feed on underground wood (dead roots) and above-ground wood such as trees. However, they are highly attracted to moisture and will attack the wet structures in your home, such as fence posts, timber, and furniture. Moisture issues such as leaky pipes, clogged drainage’s, plumbing issues, and poor airflow will send the mini monsters scampering into your home.

How to Get Rid of Subterranean Termites

On top of invading in large numbers, subterranean termites can live for long periods of time. They weaken the structural integrity of your home and in severe cases, can make your structures collapse over time. Hence, rapid extermination is essential when dealing with a termite problem:

• Bait stations:Bait stations act slowly. However, setting them up strategically around the perimeter of your home can offer a long-term solution for termite problems. These products effectively kill termites from the queen to the soldiers and workers.
• Reduce moisture:These type of termites is commonly found in places with high moisture levels. You can reduce infestations by using appropriate gutters and drainage systems to avoid moisture accumulation in your home.
• Hire an expert: A pest control company will thoroughly inspect your home to determine the termite species invading. They will customize a termite control plan to eliminate the pests while reducing the chances of future infestations.

Dampwood Termites

As you might have guessed, dampwood termites are insanely attracted to wood with high moisture content, such as logs and fallen trees. Unlike subterranean termites, these mini monsters do not require soil contact or mud tunnels to stay alive.

They are relatively larger than other species, typically growing up to 1/2 or 5/8 inches in length and are fairly spread along the Western coast. These termites usually have a vast body with a rectangular head and a typical brown colour. However, this colour can range from dark to light or even reddish, especially around their abdomen.

Dampwood termites rarely infest man-made structures such as furniture and homes as they often don’t have enough moisture. However, great caution must be taken as these giant pests infest wood with ground contact, such as a home’s foundation (poles and pilings). They also attack water-damaged structures in homes, for instance, due to roof leaks, plumbing issues, sewage damage, and damaged drainpipes.

When they attack, these insatiable pests come in large colonies of about 4,000 members that quickly devour the softer spring woods, causing extensive galleries and tunnels. Unless controlled fast and effectively, a dampwood termite infestation will cause extensive damage to your property within a short time.

How to Get Rid of Dampwood Termites

Dampwood termites can cause severe damage to utility posts, pilings, fence posts, and wood exposed to high rainfall levels. The most effective way to exterminate them is by eliminating moisture issues. Lack of moisture causes the aggressive creatures to dehydrate and die. You can achieve this by:

• Fixing roof leaks
• Replacing the wet or damaged wood
• Applying borate treatments suitable for high moisture environments
• Engaging a pest control company to eliminate severe and stubborn infestations

Professional Termite Control Services

Spotting the signs of a termite or carpenter ants infestation can be challenging sometimes for an untrained eye. The detection of termite infestations in properties often requires the help of a professional pest control company. Maximum Pest Control Services offers a comprehensive different types inspection of your property’s interior and exterior. Depending on your property’s layout, we will customize a treatment plan that effectively gets rid of ants and prevents them from coming back.

We also create a protective spray and food barrier around the perimeter of your home to deter all types of ants and reduce the chances of future infestations. In addition, we offer professional advice to help keep your property pest free, long-term success. Maximum Pest Control services are backed up by regularly scheduled follow-ups and visits to eliminate possible weak points on time. Connect With Us Today – Call Us (905) 582-5502.