The most common type of termite is Subterranean termite. These termites live in colonies in the ground, which is where they get their name. In nature, termites are not harmful and are actually quite helpful in getting rid of dead trees and other material. When this material is cleared and structures are built on top of the soil where termites were already living, they will attack those buildings to find food for survival. They will feed on anything cellulose based but are particularly fond of decaying wood. Moisture is also essential for survival to termites. Without maintaining contact with a source of moisture, such as the ground, they will be susceptible to dehydration. If there is excessive moisture in a wall, they can form an aerial colony and not need access to the ground.
Knowing what the termites are looking for and what they need for survival gives us some clues to where to look for signs that they are present. One of the most well known and obvious signs are tubes made of mud and other debris on the exterior walls of your building. These tubes act as protection for termites that are foraging for food above ground. If the soil level around your building comes up to far then the termites can enter your home without using these mud tubes. For that reason it is very important to keep the soil around your building low enough to where you can see 3 – 4 inches of the foundation all the way around if and when possible.
Another indication that you possibly have a termite issue is damaged wood. Especially wood that has been exposed to moisture. This would be door or window frames, areas around a water leak or even privacy fences. Areas around the building that collect water after it rains will often have a higher concentration of termites in the soil also.
These are just a couple of things to look for on a regular basis as signs that you have a termite problem. It has always been my recommendation though, that you treat your home for termites even if you DO NOT have any signs of an infestation. Houston is an area of the country that has a very high concentration of termites in our soil; therefore, the odds of termites invading your building are definitely in their favor. Just to give you an idea of how destructive these little critters are; subterranean termites cause billions of dollars of damage every year in the United States alone. More damage in dollars than floods, fire, and earthquakes combined! Termite treatments can appear to be an awful lot of money for a tiny bug that you may or may not have. But take into consideration that termite treatments are recommended every five years and divide the cost out over that time. While working with a professional exterminator is recommended, you can do your own termite treatment. You will not have a warranty or the experience that the professionals offer, but it will certainly save you some money. Either way, the cost will certainly be worth saving you from the emotional and financial hardship that termites can impose upon your life. |
