Termites: the complete guide | Western Exterminator

Termites cost homeowners nearly $5 billion in damages annually, making them one of the most expensive pest problems that can plague your home. Unfortunately, termites are known as “silent destroyers.” They are so tiny that homeowners rarely find out they have a problem until it's too late.

With the proper knowledge, you could save yourself a major headache. That's why education about termites is critical.

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Termite Control

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What do termites look like?

Overview

Size: ⅛” to 1” in length
Color: Varies - shades of white, black, or brown
Body: Three body segments including the head, thorax, and abdomen, with no distinct break between the thorax and abdomen

Learn how to identify termites

Do I have termites?

To the untrained eye, termites are hard to see. Most termite species look almost identical, making it hard to tell what type of termite is afflicting you. Termites also form colonies, so you may find other members of the termite caste in the same area. If you have a termite infestation, it is common to find winged termites, also referred to as termite swarmers, during the spring months.

Termites are often mistaken for other pests. They are similar to carpenter ants because of their affinity for wood structures, and termites with wings are often mistaken for moths and flying ants. Knowing what you are seeing is the first step in figuring out if you have a termite problem.

What you need to know about termites

Colony

Every termite colony has three castes, and each caste has its own individual role. Each colony has workers to gather the wood, soldiers to build the shelter, and reproductives — the kings and queens that reproduce. Colonies can be built in the soil below ground (subterranean and Formosan) or inside the wood (drywood).

Lifecycle

Termites go through a metamorphosis including egg, nymph, and adult. Once a termite becomes an adult it is classified into one of the three caste systems: worker, soldier, or reproductive. Depending on the species, some queens can lay up to 30,000 eggs per day.

Diet

Cellulose is a termite’s primary food source. This organic fiber found in wood and grass plants has all the nutrients that termites need to survive. Termites will break down the wood into tiny parts to make it easier for them to chew and digest. Many termites feed on wood that has partly decayed.

What to do if you have termites

The most effective type of termite treatment depends on the property location, type of property, termite species, and the infestation severity. Western Exterminator termite inspectors assess each infestation prior to recommending a treatment custom to your needs.

You may be tempted to try a DIY termite removal method, but the most guaranteed solution is to call in a professional pest control company like Western Exterminator. At Western, we recommend only proven termite control methods that will most effectively eliminate your termite infestation.

Termite treatment

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Termite inspection

Schedule a free termite inspection to determine the most effective termite control solution for you

Termite fumigation

What goes into a fumigation and how does it get rid of termites?

What are the first signs of termites?

Termite swarmers are usually the first sign of a termite infestation. Swarmers are winged termites that fly in large groups.

Learn more:

10 signs of a termite infestation

How do you kill termites?

The best way to get rid of termites is to work with a professional pest control company like Western. Termites are very difficult to see to the untrained eye, and it is hard to tell the difference between termite species. Knowing which type of termite you are dealing with is crucial to picking the best control method to completely eliminate this tiny pest. Our licensed Technicians are certified in termite removal and are very knowledgeable about which treatment methods work best for each termite.

Learn more:

How often do you treat your home for termites?

Commercial termite treatments for drywood termites

What attracts termites in the house?

Moisture and wood. High moisture areas in your home, such as pipes that are leaking or drains that are clogged and not draining properly, make for the perfect conditions for termites to thrive. Mulch is also a huge termite attractant.

Learn more:

What homeowners should know about termites

Does rain mean more termites?